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bric-a-brac

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bric-a-brac

  [brik-uh-brak]
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–noun (used with a singular or plural verb)
miscellaneous small articles collected for their antiquarian, sentimental, decorative, or other interest.
Also, bric-à-brac.

Origin:
1830–40; < F, MF: lit., at random, without rhyme or reason; gradational compound from elements of obscure orig.

Synonyms:
trinkets, gimcracks, knickknacks, baubles, gewgaws.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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bric-a-brac   (brĭk'ə-brāk')   
n.  Small, usually ornamental objects valued for their antiquity, rarity, originality, or sentimental associations.

[French bric-à-brac, expressive of confusion.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

bric-a-brac 
1840, from obsolete Fr. phrase à bric et à brac "at random, any old way."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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