All 5 Uses of
trifle
in
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
- "Yes, certainly, I know that," said the doctor, a trifle sharply.
p. 25..6 (definition 1) *trifle = little
- He had in his hand a heavy cane, with which he was trifling; but he answered never a word, and seemed to listen with an ill-contained impatience.†
p. 29..5 (definition 1)
- The old gentleman took a step back, with the air of one very much surprised and a trifle hurt; and at that Mr. Hyde broke out of all bounds and clubbed him to the earth.†
p. 29..8 (definition 1)
- Confident as I am that you will not trifle with this appeal, my heart sinks and my hand trembles at the bare thought of such a possibility.
p. 72..6 (definition 2) *trifle with = treat thoughtlessly or without respect
- Not that I dreamed of resuscitating Hyde; the bare idea of that would startle me to frenzy: no, it was in my own person, that I was once more tempted to trifle with my conscience; and it was as an ordinary secret sinner, that I at last fell before the assaults of temptation.†
p. 100..6 (definition 2)
Definitions:
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(1) (trifle as in: a trifling matter) something of small importance; or a small quantity
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(2) (trifle with as in: trifle with her affections) to treat somebody or something thoughtlessly or without respect