cockscomb

[ koks-kohm ]

noun

1. the comb or caruncle of a cock.
2. the cap, resembling a cockscomb, formerly worn by professional fools.
3. a garden plant, Celosia cristata, of the amaranth family, with flowers, commonly crimson or purple, in a broad spike somewhat resembling the comb of a cock.
4. any of several other species of the genus Celosia.
5. an elongate prickleback, Anoplarchus purpurescens, living among submerged rocks along the Pacific coast of North America.
6. a gaslight burner having four or more jets.
7. coxcomb ( def 1 ).

cockscomb

/ ˈkɒksˌkəʊm /

noun

1. the comb of a domestic cock
2. an amaranthaceous garden or pot plant, Celosia cristata, with yellow, crimson, or purple feathery plumelike flowers in a broad spike resembling the comb of a cock
3. any similar species of Celosia
4. informal.
   a conceited dandy

Word History and Origins

Origin of cockscomb¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; cock ¹, 's ¹, comb

Example Sentences

Celosia cristata is the well known Cockscomb, having combs or heads of scarlet, crimson, rose and yellow.

From Project Gutenberg

Getting tired, I took out my sketch-book and drew Lubuga, the pet, which amused the king immensely as he recognised her cockscomb.

From Project Gutenberg

His hair was cut short, with the exception of a ridge on the top which ran stem to stern, like a cockscomb.

From Project Gutenberg

If an unmodified Celosia could be got, it would be well to test with the modified cockscomb.

From Project Gutenberg

The wild cockscomb (Amaranthus Cruentus) also furnished a portion of their supply.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ridge