From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishtrifletri‧fle1 /ˈtraɪfəl/ noun 1 → a trifle2 [countable] old-fashionedUNIMPORTANT something unimportant or not valuable There’s no point in arguing over trifles.3 [countable, uncountable]DF a cold British sweet dish made of layers of cake, fruit, jelly, custard, and cream
Examples from the Corpus
trifle• Alas, they are just a trifle over life size.• A tall man of military bearing, who I fancied looked a trifle uncomfortable in civilian clothes, stood on the threshold.• But such a trifle was not worthy of being brought by such a gentleman as you seem to be.• At first, the difficulty he had in opening the door of his room seemed no more than an irritating trifle.• Buying a house is no trifle for middle class families.• His antiquarian temperament has made him a greater snapper-up of unconsidered trifles of archaeology, architecture and literature.trifletrifle2 verb → trifle with somebody/somethingExamples from the Corpus
trifle• I was in no mood to trifle.• Ferry captains have no time to trifle with inept sailors blocking the channel.• How dare you trifle with me, he might have said; and worse, why should I care?• I loathe men who trifle with women's affections.Origin trifle1 (1200-1300) Old French trufe, trufle “deceiving, making fun” 