gaud

[ gawd ]

noun

1. a showy ornament or trinket.

gaud

/ ɡɔːd /

noun

1. an article of cheap finery; trinket; bauble

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaud¹

1300–50; Middle English, perhaps < Anglo-French, noun use of gaudir to rejoice < Latin gaudēre to enjoy

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaud¹

C14: probably from Old French gaudir to be joyful, from Latin gaudēre

Example Sentences

When one takes Orders, he swears to renounce Satan, his gauds and his works—that is to say, the piano.

From Project Gutenberg

They lay there, in meaningless embrace, moaning long harmonies in thirds, hats decorated with penny gauds, eating nuts and "rock" and chocolate, hardly moving when passers-by all but strode over them.

From Project Gutenberg

Earth's goods and gauds give every man the slip; But wealth of thought and richer wealth of love, Must pass for coin in any world above.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet, wretched ruler o'er these empty gauds, A part remains to play, and I will play it.

From Project Gutenberg

It lies no weight upon her breast— It speaks no warning to her heart— It lends no guiding light—at best Is but a gaud in Folly’s mart.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bauble
• trifle
• trinket