15 September 2016

bagatelle

[bag-uh-tel]

noun

1. something of little value or importance; a trifle.
2. a game played on a board having holes at one end into which balls are to be struck with a cue.
3. pinball.
4. a short and light musical composition, typically for the piano.

Origin of bagatelle

French

1630-1640; French < Upper Italian bagat (t) ella, equivalent to bagatt (a) small possession (perhaps bag (a) berry (< Latin bāca; cf. bay4) + -att (a) diminutive suffix) + -ella < Latin -illa diminutive suffix

Dictionary.com

Examples from the Web for bagatelle

Historical Examples

This morning I had the “No. 9” towed to the railing of bagatelle by means of its guide rope.
My Airships
Alberto Santos-Dumont

I don’t know that there is much soaring upwards in bagatelle.
Is He Popenjoy?
Anthony Trollope

In the region of bagatelle in the Argonne two German counterattacks were repulsed.
The Story of the Great War, Volume III (of VIII)
Various

But this is a mere trifle, a bagatelle, to the many other infractions of which he is guilty.
The Mystery of Space
Robert T. Browne

I know one to be had a bargain,—a bagatelle,—five hundred naps a-year.
The Parisians, Complete
Edward Bulwer-Lytton

Anagram

gate label
beat legal
agate bell

Today’s quote

Looking is different from seeing, hearing is different from listening.

– Nikos Lygeros

On this day

15 September – International Day of Democracy.

15 September 1254 – birth of Marco Polo, Italian explorer. Died 9 January 1324.