All 19 Uses of
trifle
in
The House of the Seven Gables
- And now, being a trifle choleric in his temperament, the lieutenant-governor uplifted the heavy hilt of his sword, wherewith he so beat and banged upon the door, that, as some of the bystanders whispered, the racket might have disturbed the dead.†
Chpt 1 (definition 2)
- It would be an omission, trifling, indeed, but unpardonable, were we to forget the green moss that had long since gathered over the projections of the windows, and on the slopes of the roof nor must we fail to direct the reader's eye to a crop, not of weeds, but flower-shrubs, which were growing aloft in the air, not a great way from the chimney, in the nook between two of the gables.†
Chpt 1 (definition 2)
- You can trim and tend them, therefore, as you please; and I will ask only the least trifle of a blossom, now and then, in exchange for all the good, honest kitchen vegetables with which I propose to enrich Miss Hepzibah's table.†
Chpt 6 (definition 2)
- We come to it freshly, in the dewy youth of the day, and when our spiritual and sensual elements are in better accord than at a later period; so that the material delights of the morning meal are capable of being fully enjoyed, without any very grievous reproaches, whether gastric or conscientious, for yielding even a trifle overmuch to the animal department of our nature.†
Chpt 7 (definition 2)
- It was very remarkable into what prominent relief—even as if a dim picture should leap suddenly from its canvas—Clifford's character was thrown by this apparently trifling annoyance.†
Chpt 7 (definition 2)
- Yet there was a circumstance, very trifling in itself, which impressed her with an odd degree of horror.†
Chpt 8 (definition 2)
- Of course, it was exceedingly ridiculous in Phoebe to be discomposed by such a trifle, and still more unpardonable to show her discomposure to the individual most concerned in it.†
Chpt 8 (definition 2)
- He himself, as was perceptible by many symptoms, lay darkly behind his pleasure, and knew it to be a baby-play, which he was to toy and trifle with, instead of thoroughly believing.†
Chpt 10 (definition 1)
- Evidently, he desired this prick of a trifling anguish, in order to assure himself, by that quality which he best knew to be real, that the garden, and the seven weather-beaten gables, and Hepzibah's scowl, and Phoebe's smile, were real likewise.†
Chpt 10 (definition 2)
- The author needs great faith in his reader's sympathy; else he must hesitate to give details so minute, and incidents apparently so trifling, as are essential to make up the idea of this garden-life.†
Chpt 10 (definition 2)
- Possibly some cynic, at once merry and bitter, had desired to signify, in this pantomimic scene, that we mortals, whatever our business or amusement,—however serious, however trifling,—all dance to one identical tune, and, in spite of our ridiculous activity, bring nothing finally to pass.†
Chpt 11 (definition 2)
- Was it a little matter—a trifle to be prepared for in a single moment, and to be rested from in another moment,—that he must now, after thirty years, encounter a kinsman risen from a living tomb, and wrench a secret from him, or else consign him to a living tomb again?†
Chpt 15 (definition 2)
- Then she was attracted by a chaise rapidly passing, and watched its moist and glistening top, and its splashing wheels, until it had turned the corner, and refused to carry any further her idly trifling, because appalled and overburdened, mind.†
Chpt 16 (definition 2)
- and happened to raise her skirt a trifle too high above her ankles
Chpt 17 (definition 2) *trifle = little (a small amount)
- The Judge is a patriot; the fate of the country is staked on the November election; and besides, as will be shadowed forth in another paragraph, he has no trifling stake of his own in the same great game.†
Chpt 18 (definition 2)
- The doctor probably would smile at the statement of such trifles to his professional ear; the Judge would smile in his turn; and meeting one another's eyes, they would enjoy a hearty laugh together!†
Chpt 18 (definition 2)
- Had any observer of these proceedings been aware of the fearful secret hidden within the house, it would have affected him with a singular shape and modification of horror, to see the current of human life making this small eddy hereabouts,—whirling sticks, straws and all such trifles, round and round, right over the black depth where a dead corpse lay unseen!†
Chpt 19 (definition 2)
- His expressive features kindled up, as he recognized the spot where this trifling incident of his erratic life had chanced.†
Chpt 19 (definition 2)
- ...asked Phoebe, with impatient surprise that Holgrave should so trifle with her at such a moment.
Chpt 20 (definition 1) *trifle with = treat thoughtlessly or without respect
Definitions:
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(1) (trifle with as in: trifle with her affections) to treat somebody or something thoughtlessly or without respect
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(2) (trifle as in: a trifling matter) something of small importance; or a small quantity