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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Tinsel \Tin"sel\, n. [F. ['e]tincelle a spark, OF. estincelle,
L. scintilla. Cf. {Scintillate}, {Stencil}.]
1. A shining material used for ornamental purposes;
especially, a very thin, gauzelike cloth with much gold or
silver woven into it; also, very thin metal overlaid with
a thin coating of gold or silver, brass foil, or the like.
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Who can discern the tinsel from the gold? --Dryden.
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2. Something shining and gaudy; something superficially
shining and showy, or having a false luster, and more gay
than valuable.
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O happy peasant! O unhappy bard!
His the mere tinsel, hers the rich reward. --Cowper.
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Tinsel \Tin"sel\, a.
Showy to excess; gaudy; specious; superficial. "Tinsel
trappings." --Milton.
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Tinsel \Tin"sel\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Tinseled}or {Tinselled};
p. pr. & vb. n. {Tinseling} or {Tinselling}.]
To adorn with tinsel; to deck out with cheap but showy
ornaments; to make gaudy.
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She, tinseled o'er in robes of varying hues. --Pope.
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