All 16 Uses
trifle
in
The Prairie, by Cooper
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- The emigrant looked at the other, like one who did not comprehend his meaning, and who half suspected he was trifled with, but he contented himself by saying— "You ar' but a new inhabitant, like myself, I reckon, stranger, otherwise you would not be backward in helping a traveller to some advice; words cost but little, and sometimes lead to friendships."†
Chpt 1trifled with = treated thoughtlessly or without respect
- Abandon, then, the trifling advantages of thy situation, and yield the rock peaceably to the will of those who accompany me—a legion, young woman—I do assure you an invincible and powerful legion!†
Chpt 14
- "I know not," said Middleton, beginning to tire of the fellow's trifling: "courage?"†
Chpt 15 *
- This admiration, however, was so tempered by his habits, and so smothered in the pride of a warrior, as completely to elude every eye but that of the trapper, who was too well skilled in Indian customs, and was too well instructed in the importance of rightly conceiving, the character of the stranger, to let the smallest trait, or the most trifling of his movements, escape him.†
Chpt 18
- All—all—he forgot nothing, even to the most trifling incident.†
Chpt 22
- Mankind twist and turn the rules of the Lord, to suit their own wickedness, when their devilish cunning has had too much time to trifle with His commands.†
Chpt 22 *trifle with = treat thoughtlessly or without respect
- "Besides, my aged associate," he reproachfully added, "the interest, that a man has in his own existence, is by no means trifling, however it may be eclipsed by his devotion to more general and philanthropic feelings."†
Chpt 27
- An ear of great acuteness might possibly have detected that the tones of the orator faltered a little, as his flashing look first fell on this unexpected object, though the change was so trifling, that none, but such as thoroughly knew the parties, would have suspected it.†
Chpt 28
- Old man, this trifling with our misery is inconsiderate, to give it a name no harsher—†
Chpt 29trifling with = treating thoughtlessly or without respect
- Now let there be no trifling, but open your heart.†
Chpt 31
- In short, the victors seemed to have lost every trace of ferocity with their success, and appeared disposed to consult the most trifling of the wants of that engrossing people, who were daily encroaching on their rights, and reducing the Red-men of the west, from their state of proud independence to the condition of fugitives and wanderers.†
Chpt 33
- A small and trifling matter is it, to what I once used to offer in the way of bargain; but then it is the best I have, and therein not to be despised.†
Chpt 33
- "It is a far journey to send such trifles," resumed the old man, who spoke at short intervals, as strength and breath permitted; "a far and weary journey is the same; but kindnesses and friendships are things not to be forgotten.†
Chpt 34trifles = things of small importance
- I caution you to attempt no violence, for let my wishes be what they may, you see I am surrounded by a force that can easily put me down, and you know, or ought to know, too well the temper of this family, to trifle in such a matter with any of its members, let them be of what sex or age they may.†
Chpt 14
- Now, will you add a trifle just to keep my throat from parching?†
Chpt 15
- I know but little of these conscientious subtilties, and I am any thing but a priest: yet tell me, what has induced these monsters to play this desperate game—to trifle thus with my happiness?†
Chpt 16
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
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(3)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) A trifle can refer to a kind of dessert. In classic literature, trifling can be a synonym for small talk.