fillip
English
/ˈfɪlɪp/
noun
Definitions
- (archaic) The action of holding the tip of a finger against the thumb and then releasing it with a snap; a flick.
- A smart strike or tap made using this action, or (by extension) by other means.
- (by extension) Something unimportant, a trifle; also, the brief time it takes to flick one's finger (see noun sense 1); a jiffy.
- (by extension) Something that excites or stimulates.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English filippen (make a signal sound with thumb and right forefinger, snap the fingers).
Origin
Middle English
filippen
Gloss
make a signal sound with thumb and right forefinger, snap the fingers