Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Tinsel \Tin"sel\, n. [F. ['e]tincelle a spark, OF. estincelle,
   L. scintilla. Cf. {Scintillate}, {Stencil}.]
   1. A shining material used for ornamental purposes;
      especially, a very thin, gauzelike cloth with much gold or
      silver woven into it; also, very thin metal overlaid with
      a thin coating of gold or silver, brass foil, or the like.

            Who can discern the tinsel from the gold? --Dryden.

   2. Something shining and gaudy; something superficially
      shining and showy, or having a false luster, and more gay
      than valuable.

            O happy peasant! O unhappy bard! His the mere
            tinsel, hers the rich reward.         --Cowper.

Tinsel \Tin"sel\, a.
   Showy to excess; gaudy; specious; superficial. ``Tinsel
   trappings.'' --Milton.

Tinsel \Tin"sel\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Tinseled}or {Tinselled};
   p. pr. & vb. n. {Tinseling} or {Tinselling}.]
   To adorn with tinsel; to deck out with cheap but showy
   ornaments; to make gaudy.

         She, tinseled o'er in robes of varying hues. --Pope.

Source : WordNet®

tinsel
     n 1: a showy decoration that is basically valueless; "all the
          tinsel of self-promotion"
     2: a thread with glittering metal foil attached
     v 1: impart a cheap brightness to; "his tinseled image of
          Hollywood"
     2: adorn with tinsel; "snow flakes tinseled the trees"
     3: interweave with tinsel; "tinseled velvet"
     [also: {tinselling}, {tinselled}]