Furbelow
ˈfərbəˌlō
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.