Both Uses of
trifle
in
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
- Over a handful of fluffy white kernels William relaxed a trifle.
p. 68.9 *trifle = little
- "'tis a trifle late to think about the child," he said coldly.
p. 216.9
Definitions:
-
(1)
(trifle as in: a trifling matter) something of small importance; or a small quantity
-
(2)
(trifle with as in: trifle with her affections) to treat somebody or something thoughtlessly or without respect
-
(3)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) meaning too rare to warrant focus:
Less commonly, a trifle can refer to a kind of dessert. In classic literature, trifling can be a synonym for small talk.