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fillip

 - 3 dictionary results

fil⋅lip

  [fil-uhp]
Use fillip in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to strike with the nail of a finger snapped from the end of the thumb.
2. to tap or strike smartly.
3. to drive by or as by a fillip: Anticipation filliped his passion.
–verb (used without object)
4. to make a fillip with the fingers.
–noun
5. an act or instance of filliping; a smart tap or stroke.
6. anything that tends to rouse, excite, or revive; a stimulus: Praise is an excellent fillip for waning ambition.
Origin:
1425–75; late ME philippe to make a signal or sound with thumb and right forefinger; expressive word of uncert. orig; cf. flip
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To fillip
fil·lip   (fĭl'əp)   
n.  

  1. A snap or light blow made by pressing a fingertip against the thumb and suddenly releasing it.

  2. An embellishment that excites or stimulates: "Spritely tabasco onions, just a little crunch for the top, were an added fillip" (Alison Arnett).

  3. One that is trivial or of little importance.

tr.v.   fil·liped, fil·lip·ing, fil·lips

  1. To strike or propel rapidly by as or as if by a fillip: filliped his finger against my ear; filliped the pretzel across the counter.

  2. To stimulate or arouse.


[Imitative.]
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

fillip 
1530, philippen "to flip something with the fingers, snap the fingers," possibly of imitative origin.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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