Trifling talk or action; in plural trivial matters, trifling occupations or objects of attention.

Hence, as a collective term for young or insignificant beings: now chiefly with modifying word, esp. in small fry, n. of inanimate things.

In sense 1, as small-beer allowance, small-beer-firkin, small-beer wort, small-beer yeast.

pigs and whistles n. fragments, pieces; odds and ends, trivial things. to go to pigs and whistles: to fall into ruin or disrepair. Now rare.

With plural agreement. Trifles, trifling or petty articles.

Chiefly in plural. A small or worthless article; an appurtenance, a trapping; a knick-knack, curiosity, or trifle.

With plural agreement. Small or trivial things; knick-knacks. Cf. fattrels, n.

Excessive subdivision (by which the general effect is lost).

With plural agreement. Trifles. Esp. in nugae difficiles n. also difficiles nugae Philosophy difficult but trivial matters over which a…

In extended use. Trivial occupations, affairs, etc.; matters or persons of little or no consequence or importance; trifles.

concrete. A trifling ornament or toy; a trinket, bauble, knick-knack; hence plural, small and trifling articles; ‘traps’, personal belongings or…

With plural and singular agreement. Trivialities, trifles, things of little consequence.