trapping

[trˈæpɪŋ] /ˈtra-ping How to pronounce trapping (audio)/ (ame, mw)

trapping — noun

  • trappingsingular
  • trappingsplural

1. visible features or possessions that make someone or something seem rich, import

1.名詞C1
釋義

visible features or possessions that make someone or something seem rich, important, or impressive.

例句

After the promotion, Tyler enjoyed the trappings of his new office.

the trappings of + status or position

To Meera, the private driver was one of the trappings of wealth.

同義詞
  • symbols

    broader and more neutral; trappings often suggests status and surface display

  • signs

    plain everyday word; trappings is more formal and often slightly ironic

文法句型

the trappings of + wealth/power/success

用法筆記

Usually appears in the plural, especially in the pattern 'the trappings of ...'. This sense is figurative: it refers to outward signs of status, not to physical decoration itself.

2. decorative clothing, cloth, or equipment added to make a place, vehicle, or publ

2.名詞C2
釋義

decorative clothing, cloth, or equipment added to make a place, vehicle, or public event look grand.

例句

Gold trappings hung from the stage to make the festival hall look grand.

decorative trappings used to dress a public space

The wedding tent was filled with silk trappings and silver lamps.

同義詞
  • ornaments

    stresses individual decorative items rather than the full grand set

  • regalia

    more strongly tied to rank, ceremony, or official display

文法句型

royal / silk / ceremonial trappings

用法筆記

Also usually plural. This sense names literal decorative extras used in ceremony or display. For the specific cloth covering placed on a horse, use sense 3.

3. a decorated cloth covering placed on a horse, especially for ceremony or display

3.名詞C2
釋義

a decorated cloth covering placed on a horse, especially for ceremony or display.

例句

The museum displayed a crimson trapping beside an old war saddle.

historical horse covering in a museum setting

Before the parade, workers brushed the horse's trapping until it shone.

同義詞
  • caparison

    formal historical word for a decorated horse covering

文法句型

a trapping on a horse

horse's trapping

用法筆記

This sense is historical and specialized. It refers to the cloth or decorative covering on a horse, not to the rider's ordinary gear such as a saddle or bridle.

常見錯誤

The rider tightened the trapping before turning the horse left.
The rider tightened the bridle before turning the horse left.
💡a trapping decorates or covers the horse; it is not the control equipment.