bighead

[ big-hed, -hed ]

noun

1. Informal. an excessive estimate of one's importance; conceit.
2. Veterinary Pathology.
   1. an inflammatory swelling of the tissues of the head heads of sheep, caused by the anaerobic bacillus Clostridium novyi.
   2. enlargement of the head heads and jawbones of horses resulting from nutritional hyperthyroidism.

bighead

/ ˈbɪɡˌhɛd /

noun

1. informal.
   a conceited person
2. informal.
   conceit; egotism
3. vet science
   1. an abnormal bulging or increase in the size of an animal's skull, as from osteomalacia
   2. any of various diseases of sheep characterized by swelling of the head, esp any caused by infection with Clostridium bacteria

Derived Forms

• ˌbigˈheadedly, adverb
• ˌbigˈheaded, adjective
• ˌbigˈheadedness, noun

Other Words From

• bigheaded adjective
• bigheaded·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bighead¹

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805; big ¹ + head

Example Sentences

This was gloomy news to us, for we knew that Chief Bighead was one of the worst Indians on the river.

From Project Gutenberg

On some farms and in some stables bighead is quite prevalent, a number of cases following one after another.

From Project Gutenberg

But in the afternoon, Officer "Bighead" struts into the cell-house, in charge of the barber gang.

From Project Gutenberg