Furbelows have nothing to do with fur .
The word came into English in the early eighteenth century from the French word falbala for a flounce, decoration or trimming on a woman's petticoat or dress. Almost from its first appearance in English, its plural has had the sense of something ostentatious or showy. These days it hardly ever turns up at all, but when it does it usually forms part of the set phrase frills and furbelows . All rights reserved. Page created 16 January 1999.