window-dressing

Noun

window dressing (countable and uncountable, plural window dressings)

1. The decorative display of retail merchandise in store windows; the goods and trimmings used in such a display.
   • The linen-draper at the corner under the town clock was divided between keeping an eye on his apprentices to see that they did not spar with yard sticks, and mentally criticising the ludicrous and meretricious window-dressing of his next-door neighbour.1897, S. R. Crockett, chapter 33, in The Surprising Adventures of Sir Toady Lion with Those of General Napoleon Smith, New York: Frederick A. Stokes, page 252

   Synonyms:

   shop window

2. (uncountable) The process, skill or task of creating such a display.
   • Such days as there was no window-dressing there was a mighty carrying and lifting of blocks and bales of goods into piles and stacks.1905, H. G. Wells, Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul, New York: Scribner, Book I, Chapter 2, p. 46
3. (figuratively, uncountable) A means of creating a deceptively favourable impression of something or someone; something for appearance only.
   • These latest modifications are mere window dressing; the same problems remain.

   Synonyms:

   eyewash