n. [ F. étincelle a spark, OF. estincelle, L. scintilla. Cf. Scintillate, Stencil. ] 1. A shining material used for ornamental purposes; especially, a very thin, gauzelike cloth with much gold or silver woven into it; also, very thin metal overlaid with a thin coating of gold or silver, brass foil, or the like. [ 1913 Webster ]

Who can discern the tinsel from the gold? Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Something shining and gaudy; something superficially shining and showy, or having a false luster, and more gay than valuable. [ 1913 Webster ]

O happy peasant! O unhappy bard!
His the mere tinsel, hers the rich reward. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Showy to excess; gaudy; specious; superficial. “Tinsel trappings.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Tinseled r Tinselled; p. pr. & vb. n. Tinseling or Tinselling. ] To adorn with tinsel; to deck out with cheap but showy ornaments; to make gaudy. [ 1913 Webster ]

She, tinseled o'er in robes of varying hues. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Like tinsel; gaudy; showy, but cheap. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a showy and cheap manner. [ 1913 Webster ]