coxcombry

American  

[koks-kohm-ree] / ˈkɒksˌkoʊm ri /

noun

coxcombries plural

1. the manners or behavior of a coxcomb.

2. a foppish trait.

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coxcombry British  

/ ˈkɒksˌkəʊmrɪ /

noun

1. conceited arrogance or foppishness

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• coxcombries
  plural

Etymology

Origin of coxcombry

First recorded in 1600–10; coxcomb + -ry

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

coxcombry coxcombries

Something of a visionary, too, was Sir Balthazar;—yet, with all his vanity as to his own merits—his coxcombry about his proceedings,—a sort of reformer and benefactor also in a small way.

From Art in England Notes and Studies by Cook, Dutton

At the south, gentlemen, without the charge of coxcombry or effeminacy, wear them in the button-holes of their vests—fair girls wreathe them in their hair, and children trudge to school loaded with bouquets.

From The South-West By a Yankee. In Two Volumes. Volume 2 by Ingraham, Jonathon Holt

We give two or three specimens to confound at once this miserable piece of coxcombry and shuffling.

From Early Reviews of English Poets by Haney, John Louis

I have served in battle; witness for me Some curious scars, the soldier's coxcombry, In which he struts, fantastically carved Upon the tough old doublet nature gave him.

From The Surrender of Calais A Play, in Three Acts by Colman, George

It is assuming the frivolity, the waste of time, the coxcombry, and all the disadvantages of music, without any of its substantial benefits.

From The Mirror of Taste, and Dramatic Censor, Vol. I, No. 5, May 1810 by Carpenter, S. C. (Stephen Cullen)

And all these coxcombries are the appendages of, as it seems to us, as little intellect as the rings and brooches of the Exquisite in a modern novel.

From Famous Reviews by Johnson, R. Brimley

In another he remonstrates against certain frivolous affectations, and some of the coxcombries of literary modishness.

From Diderot and the Encyclopædists (Vol 1 of 2) by Morley, John