Furbelow
Noun
- A gathered strip or pleated border of a skirt or petticoat.
- (Furbelows) Showy ornaments or trimmings.
Verb
- Adorn with trimmings.
Example Sentences
“Most of the office dressed business casual, but Katia arrived to work each day furbelowed with bold colors, vintage styles, and eye-catching jewelry.”
“I find taking the time to furbelow myself before I leave the house gives me more confidence.”
“This outfit needs a few more furbelows to make it complete.”
Word Origin
French, late 17th century
Why this word?
“Furbelow” comes from the French term “falbala,” which describes a ruffle or flashy ornament. In English, it can be used as a verb (“to be furbelowed in finery”) or as a noun for the bits of finery. In one usage, a furbelow was a specific type of pleated border on a petticoat, but as fashions evolved, “furbelows” (plural) came to designate any type of fancy ornamentation or accessory.