a. [f. TINSEL sb.3 + -Y.] Of the nature of, characterized by, or abounding in tinsel; hence, cheaply splendid or sparkling, gaudy without real worth, ‘pinchbeck.’

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1811.  Miss Mitford, in L’Estrange, Life (1870), I. v. 148. Sometimes pedantic, and sometimes tinselly, none of her works were ever simple … or natural.

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1836.  Backwoods of Canada, 289. These Indians appear less addicted to gay and tinselly ornaments.

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1885.  Athenæum, 15 Aug., 205. None of that false ornamentation, that tinselly glitter.

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  So Tinselly adv. [-LY2.], showily and cheaply.

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1822.  Morn. Post., 25 June, 2/1. ‘What!’ it was said, ‘could men think of nothing but sordid wealth and tinselly honours? Was there no sense of duty to themselves and to their country.’

6

1864.  in Webster; whence in later Dicts.

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