alec
1[ al-ik ]
nounObsolete.
a herring.
a sauce or relish made from small herring or anchovies.
Origin of alec
11510–20; <Latin (h)al(l)ec fish sauce
Other definitions for alec (2 of 3)
alec2
[ al-ik ]
nounAustralian.
a simpleton or fool.
Origin of alec
21920–25; cf. smart aleck; sense shift perhaps originally from ironic usage
Other definitions for Alec (3 of 3)
Alec
or Al·eck
[ al-ik ]
noun
a male given name, form of Alexander.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use alec in a sentence
But when one o' them smart Alecks comes along and cal'lates to do up old Dave, why he's got to take his chances, that's all.
David Harum | Edward Noyes Westcott"You bet me and Shorty'll stop these smart Alecks from imposin' on the poor little greenies," asserted Si.
Si Klegg, Book 6 (of 6) | John McElroyBut when one o' them smart Alecks comes along an' cal'lates to do up old Dave, why he's got to take his chances, that's all.
The Christmas Story from David Harum | Edward Noyes WestcottYou young smart Alecks will get your comeuppance, muttered the man.
The Trail Boys on the Plains | Jay Winthrop AllenGoing to Alecks side, he said eagerly, Dont cry, little boy.
Light for Little Ones | Mary F. Waterbury
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