[f. FLOUNCE v.2 + -ING1.] a. The action of putting a flounce to a garment. b. concr. A flounce; also, the material of which flounces are made.
1766. Goldsm., Vic. W., iv. I do not know whether such flouncing and shredding is becoming even in the rich, if we consider, upon a moderate calculation, that the nakedness of the indigent world might be clothed from the trimmings of the vain.
1865. Mrs. Whitney, Gayworthys, II. 53. The pink muslin was so bright and becoming; too dressy, perhaps, with its four little flouncings. Ibid. (1870), We Girls, v. 77. She tossed a long flouncing over her sewing-table.
fig. 1891. A. F. Day, The Sisters of Charity and ‘La Laicisation,’ in Month, LXXIII. Oct., 247. Those who merely dabble in good works may find time and inclination to deck themselves out in such flouncings of vanity: those who have buckled on the harness of charity in downright earnestness of purpose have matters of greater moment and more congenial, to occupy their attention.
