clinquant

[ kling-kuhnt ]

adjective

1. glittering, especially with tinsel; decked with garish finery.

noun

1. imitation gold leaf; tinsel; false glitter.

clinquant

/ ˈklɪŋkənt /

adjective

1. glittering, esp with tinsel

noun

1. tinsel or imitation gold leaf

Word History and Origins

Origin of clinquant¹

1585–95; < Middle French: clinking, present participle of clinquer (< Dutch klinken to sound); -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of clinquant¹

C16: from French, from clinquer to clink, from Dutch klinken, of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Descartes has almost entirely discarded this quaintness, which sometimes passed into what is called in French clinquant, that is to say, tawdry and grotesque ornament.

From Project Gutenberg

Those who were in power favoured a sober habit, although we find General Harrison in scarlet and clinquant matching with Colonel Hutchinson in courtly apparel, and before the Restoration the tract-writers find matter of condemnation, especially in the items of patches, hair-powder and face paints.

From Project Gutenberg

Come here, Stephanie, and see a miracle of manhood, that could resist all the clinquant of a hussar for the simple costume of the � cole Militaire.

From Project Gutenberg

The General and the generals went in and crowded the hall of audience, very clinquant with its black and white floor, glass chandeliers, long mirrors and single gilded center table.

From Project Gutenberg

The passage runs thus— "Tous les jours, à la cour, un sot de qualité Peut juger de travers avec impunité, A Malherbe, à Racan, préfère Théophile, Et le clinquant du Tasse à tout l'or de Virgile."

From Project Gutenberg