ROTFLMAO!!! No, I was trying to politely show you the definition and use of the word, wherein only one use was as you describe. Perhaps a quick look at the thesaurus:
Main Entry: trappings [...] Synonyms: apparel, caparison, equipment, finery, gear, paraphernalia, regalia, things, trimmings Thesaurus.com Source Synonym Collection v1.1
It isn't that what you are saying is wrong, for it is one use of the word... But it can also simply mean "the stuff of". Also see here:
1. articles of equipment or dress, esp. of an ornamental character. 2. conventional adornment; characteristic signs: trappings of democracy. 3. Sometimes, trapping. an ornamental covering for a horse; caparison. Dictionary.com Sourcetrappings
Any language lessons, beyond the first hour, is at full tuition rate.
Good! Shall I bill you or would you like to pay cash?
***Applause. I take this as your tribute to me for having explained just what it was that you posted, rather than what I suppose you meant.
ROTFLMAO!!! No, I was trying to politely show you the definition and use of the word, wherein only one use was as you describe. Perhaps a quick look at the thesaurus: ***
And polite you are on a thread where sharp elbows are the norm. However, if I may point out the phrase “trappings of empire” has a rather definite meaning, then that is the crux of my prior post.