kickshaws

1 definition found

kickshaws - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Kickshaws \Kick"shaws`\, n.; pl. Kickshawses[Corrupt. fr. F.
     quelque chose something, fr. L. qualis of what kind (akin to
     E. which) + suffix -guam + causa cause, in LL., a thing. See
     Which, and Cause.]
     1. Something fantastical; any trifling, trumpery thing; a
        toy.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Art thou good at these kickshawses!   --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. A fancy dish; a tidbit; a delicacy.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Some pigeons, . . . a joint of mutton, and any
              pretty little tiny kickshaws.         --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Cressy was lost by kickshaws and soup-maigre.
                                                    --Fenton.
        [1913 Webster]