frill

Etymology 1

Of uncertain origin.

noun

1. A strip of pleated fabric or paper used as decoration or trim.
   1777, Samuel Jackson Pratt (as Courtney Melmoth), Liberal Opinions, upon Animals, Man, and Providence, London: G. Robinson and J. Bew, Volume 5, Chapter 114, p. 163, … one of her husband Jeffery’s shirts (with frills to the bosom) …
2. (figurative) A substance or material on the edge of something, resembling such a strip of fabric.
   … the bright frills of the winter fungi on the blotched trunks of the trees; 1979, Angela Carter, “The Company of Wolves”, in The Bloody Chamber, Penguin, published 1993
   ‘Isn’t it a shame!’ Mrs Ayres said softly, now and then pausing to brush aside a frill of snow and examine the plant beneath … 2009, Sarah Waters, chapter 12, in The Little Stranger, London: Virago
3. (photography) A wrinkled edge to a film.
4. (figurative) Something extraneous or not essential; something purely for show or effect; a luxury.
   Torontonians clutter their brick and stone houses with too much trim, or with window trim and shutters—and they also carve their shutters with hearts or maple leaves—but the snow conceals these frills; 1989, John Irving, chapter 2, in A Prayer for Owen Meany, Toronto: Vintage Canada, published 2009, page 91
5. (zoology) The relatively extensive margin seen on the back of the heads of reptiles, with either a bony support or a cartilaginous one.
   A large admiral lizard leapt up on a rail, stood on hind legs with fore legs raised like hands and watched for a moment …, then loped down the cess-path with arms swinging and iridescent frill flying out like a cape … 1943, Xavier Herbert, chapter 14, in Capricornia, New York: D. Appleton-Century, page 227
   She reminded Bojan of a desert lizard throwing up its frill to frighten predators. 1997, Richard Flanagan, chapter 54, in The Sound of One Hand Clapping, New York: Grove Press

verb

1. (transitive) To make into a frill.
2. (intransitive) To become wrinkled.
3. (transitive) To provide or decorate with a frill or frills; to turn back in crimped plaits.
   1863, Charles Dickens, Mrs. Lirriper’s Lodgings, Chapter 4, in All the Year Round, Volume 10, Extra Christmas Number, 3 December, 1863, p. 35, Mrs. Sandham, formerly Kate Barford, is working at a baby’s frock, and asking now and then the advice of her sister, who is frilling a little cap.

Etymology 2

From Old French friller.

verb

1. (intransitive, obsolete, falconry) To shake or shiver as with cold (with reference to a hawk).
2. (intransitive, obsolete, falconry) To cry (with reference to a bird of prey).
   1688, Randle Holme, The Academy of Armory, Chester: for the author, Book 2, Chapter 13, “Of the Voices of Birds,” p. 310, The Eagle Frilleth, or Scriketh The Hawk, as Falcon, Gawshawk, and all such Birds of Prey, cryeth, peepeth, or frilleth.