spilla

brooch

noun SPEEL-lah Rare

Origin: From Lombard spilla, related to Old High German spilla (pin).

Also means

Usage Note

Spilla refers to a brooch or decorative pin worn on clothing. It is feminine (la spilla), plural spille. It should not be confused with spillo (a straight pin or stiletto heel) — the two words are related but distinct: una spilla da balia is a safety pin, while tacchi a spillo means stiletto heels. A brooch worn as jewellery is almost always spilla.

Examples

"Portava una spilla d'oro sul risvolto."

Natural Translation

She wore a gold brooch on her lapel.

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