Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches

clinquant

 - 5 dictionary results

clin⋅quant

[kling-kuhnt]
–adjective
1. glittering, esp. with tinsel; decked with garish finery.
–noun
2. imitation gold leaf; tinsel; false glitter.

Origin:
1585–95; < MF: clinking, prp. of clinquer (< D klinken to sound); see -ant
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To clinquant
clin·quant   (klĭng'kənt, klāɴ-käɴ')   
adj.  Glittering with gold or tinsel.
n.  Imitation gold leaf; tinsel; glitter.

[French, glistening, tinkling, present participle of obsolete clinquer, to clink, perhaps from Middle Dutch klinken; see clink1.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Main Entry:  clinquant1
Part of Speech:  adj
Definition:  glittering; tinsel-like; spangly
Etymology:  French 'glittering or clinking gold'
Main Entry:  clinquant2
Part of Speech:  adj
Definition:  tinkling, clinking
Etymology:  French 'glittering or clinking gold'
Main Entry:  clinquant
Part of Speech:  n
Definition:  imitation gold leaf; tinsel; by extension, something with false glitter
Etymology:  French 'glittering or clinking gold'
Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon
Copyright © 2003-2009 Dictionary.com, LLC
Cite This Source
Search another word or see clinquant on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us: