2 entries under this word

Expletive

Ex'ple-tive, a.

adjective

a. [Lat. expletivus, Fr. expletif, Pr. expletiu, Sp. & Pg. expletivo, It. espletivo.] Filling up: hence, added merely for the purpose of filling up; superfluous. “Expletive phrases to plump his speech.” Barrow.

Ĕx'ple-tĭve, n.

noun

n. A word or syllable not necessary to the sense, but inserted to fill a vacancy, or for ornament.

Expletives their feeble aid do join. Pope.