Literary notes about bagatelle (AI summary)
In literature, the word “bagatelle” finds itself deployed with considerable versatility. Authors use it both to denote matters of little consequence—suggesting that an issue or a sum of money is merely a quantitative trifle, as in dismissals of financial concerns or minor disputes [1], [2], [3], [4]—and to evoke a sense of light, playful diversion, seen in depictions of board games or leisurely recreations [5], [6], [7], [8]. Moreover, “bagatelle” occasionally serves as a marker of cultural or social designation, lending an air of refined levity to places or gatherings, as when it is used in naming elegant locales or theaters [9]. This layered usage allows the term to capture both the insignificance of certain matters and the charm of their playful presentation.
- "For an ordinary intellect, yes, but for me a mere bagatelle, or bag-of-shells, as the ancients have it."
— from Frank Armstrong at College by Matthew M. Colton - [318] A bet of a hundred pounds is a mere bagatelle to a rich man, but it may be everything to a poor one.
— from Sharps and Flats A Complete Revelation of the Secrets of Cheating at Games of Chance and Skill by John Nevil Maskelyne - The thing is, it's true, a mere trifle, and the amount only a bagatelle, but it doesn't seem to be quite proper.
— from Hung Lou Meng, or, the Dream of the Red Chamber, a Chinese Novel, Book II by Xueqin Cao - What of this last bagatelle of a victory to-day?
— from Faithful Margaret: A Novel by Simpson, J. M., Mrs. - Yesterday Paddy Green, Esquire, called at “The Great Mogul,” where he played two games at bagatelle, and went “Yorkshire” for a pot of dog’s nose.
— from Roget's Thesaurus by Peter Mark Roget - Afterwards they played a game at bagatelle, but it took all their patience to stand Herbert's whims and tricks.
— from Carry's Rose; or, the Magic of Kindness. A Tale for the Young by Cupples, George, Mrs. - Colwyn lifted the case down from the embrasure in which it was placed, and carried it to the bagatelle table.
— from The Hand in the Dark by Arthur J. (Arthur John) Rees - [2] and there was a bagatelle board in the room, in case we should desire to unbend our minds after the solemnity.
— from Dickensian Inns & Taverns by B. W. (Bertram Waldrom) Matz - Bagatelle was formerly the elegant little palace of the count d'Artois.
— from The Stranger in Franceor, a Tour from Devonshire to Paris Illustrated byEngravings in Aqua Tint of Sketches Taken on the Spot. by Carr, John, Sir
