tri·fle / ˈtrīfəl/ • n. 1. a thing of little value or importance: we needn't trouble the headmaster over such trifles. ∎  [in sing.] a small amount of something: the thousand yen he'd paid seemed the merest trifle.2. chiefly Brit. a cold dessert of sponge cake and fruit covered with layers of custard, jelly, and cream.• v. [intr.] 1. (trifle with) treat (someone or something) without seriousness or respect: he is not a man to be trifled with men who trifle with women's affections.2. archaic talk or act frivolously: we will not trifle—life is too short. ∎  [tr.] (trifle something away) waste (something, esp. time) frivolously.PHRASES: a trifle a little; somewhat: his methods are a trifle eccentric.DERIVATIVES: tri·fler / -f(ə)lər/ n.

trifle †false or idle tale XIII; matter of little value; trinket, knick-knack XIV; slight piece, small sum XVI; light confection. ME. truf(f)le — OF., by-form of truf(f)e deceit, gibe, of unkn. orig.
Hence trifle vb. XIV (earlier †bitrufle cheat, delude XIII).

trifle Cold dessert made from sponge cake soaked in fruit juice or sweet wine, covered with custard sauce and whipped cream, and decorated.