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.
1811. Miss Mitford, in LEstrange, Life (1870), I. v. 148. Sometimes pedantic, and sometimes tinselly, none of her works were ever simple or natural.
1836. Backwoods of Canada, 289. These Indians appear less addicted to gay and tinselly ornaments.
1885. Athenæum, 15 Aug., 205. None of that false ornamentation, that tinselly glitter.
So Tinselly adv. [-LY2.], showily and cheaply.
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.
1864. in Webster; whence in later Dicts.