figurative (e.g. literary ‘padding’). Obsolete.

figurative. Padding, stuffing; stopping of the ears.

(see quots.).

Matter in a book which may be skipped in reading.

Superfluous or inferior material introduced into or included in a book, speech, etc., in order to make up a required or expected length.

figurative (also polyfilla, polyfiller). Usually depreciative. Something used to fill a gap or hide faults, esp. superfluous language. Frequently…