2 meanings, 3 uses
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1 —2 uses as in:
a trifling matter
Definition
something of small importance; or a small quantity
- No beggars implored him to bestow a trifle, no children asked him what it was o'clock, no man or woman ever once in all his life inquired the way to such and such a place, of Scrooge.1 — Marley's Ghost (10% in)
trifle = small amount
- But there they were, in the heart of it; on 'Change, amongst the merchants; who hurried up and down, and chinked the money in their pockets, and conversed in groups, and looked at their watches, and trifled thoughtfully with their great gold seals; and so forth, as Scrooge had seen them often.4 — The Last of the Three Spirits (9% in)
There are no more uses of "trifle" flagged with this meaning in A Christmas Carol.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
2 —1 use as in:
trifle with her affections
Definition
to treat somebody or something thoughtlessly or without respect
- ...people who were not to be trifled with;2 — The First of the Three Spirits (64% in)
trifled with = treated thoughtlessly
There are no more uses of "trifle with" flagged with this meaning in A Christmas Carol.
Typical Usage
(best examples)