Trifle  —n. 1 thing of slight value or importance. 2 a small amount, esp. Of money. B (prec. By a) somewhat (a trifle annoyed). 3 dessert of sponge cake with custard, jelly, fruit, cream, etc. —v. (-ling) 1 talk or act frivolously. 2 (foll. By with) treat or deal with frivolously; flirt heartlessly with. [originally trufle from french = truf(f)e deceit]