‖ falbala
(ˈfælbələ)
Also 8 falbeloe, fallbullow.
[Falbala, a word found in several Romance languages from the 17th c. downwards; origin unknown. Cf. furbelow.]
A trimming for women's petticoats, scarves, etc.; a flounce, furbelow. Also attrib.
| 1704 Cibber Careless Husband 1, As many blue and green Ribbons..as would have made me a Falbala Apron. 1713 Steele Guardian No. 171 Freeing their fall-bullows..from the annoyance both of hilt and point. 1859 Thackeray Virgin. xxxii, The girls went off..to get their best..falbalas. 1865 Carlyle Fredk. Gt. xx. v, I have got my face wrinkled like the falbalas of a petticoat. |