tawdry

/ˈtɔ.dɹi/

UK: /ˈtɔːdɹi/

TƆ · dɹi (2 syllables)

English Noun Top 32,489

Definition

Tawdry lace.

Etymology

Shortened from tawdry lace; originally a corruption and rebracketing of Saint Audrey lace (from Old English Æðelþrȳð). The lace necklaces sold to pilgrims to Saint Audrey fell out of fashion in the 17th century, and so tawdry was reinterpreted as meaning “cheap” or “vulgar”.

Example Sentences

"That fiddling, parading fellow (you know who I mean) made us wait for him two hours […] only for the sake of having a little more tawdry upon his housings […]."