Definition of: tinsel

(tin′səl) noun
1. Very thin glittering bits of brass, copper, and other cheap metals, used for display and to ornament articles of dress; also, the thin metal from which they are cut.
2. A fabric in which such spangles or bits of metal are woven, or to which they are attached; also, a fabric or yarn containing gold or silver thread.
3. Anything sparkling and showy, with little real worth; superficial adornment and brilliancy.
—adjective
1. Made or covered with tinsel.
2. Of tinsel–like qualities; superficially brilliant; tawdry.
—v.t. ·seled or ·selled, ·sel·ing or ·sel·ling
1. To adorn or decorate with or as with tinsel.
2. To give a metallic appearance to (ceramic ware) by washing with a metallic substance. [<MF étincelle <OF estincelle <L scintilla a spark]