coxcomb

[ koks-kohm ]

noun

1. a conceited, foolish dandy; pretentious fop.

   Synonyms: jackanapes, popinjay, dude

2. Archaic. head; pate.
3. Obsolete. cockscomb ( def 2 ).

coxcomb

/ ˈkɒksˌkəʊm /

noun

1. a variant spelling of cockscomb
2. archaic.
   a foppish man
3. obsolete.
   the cap, resembling a cock's comb, worn by a jester

Other Words From

• cox·comb·i·cal [koks-, kom, -i-k, uh, l, -, koh, -mi-], cox·combic adjective
• cox·combi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of coxcomb¹

First recorded in 1565–75; spelling variant of cockscomb

Example Sentences

Parr was an arrogant old coxcomb, who abused the respectful kindness he received, and took his pipe into drawing-rooms.

From Project Gutenberg

Whereat Morsfield, certain that his parasitic thrasyleon apeing coxcomb would avoid extremities, mimicked him execrably.

From Project Gutenberg

Ill neer play at cards more when clubs is trump: I have a goodly coxcomb, sister, have I not?

From Project Gutenberg

George, though no coxcomb, had always dressed well and expensively; and George appeared inclined to do so still.

From Project Gutenberg

For it was impossible to be angry with a little coxcomb of such pitiful intelligence.

From Project Gutenberg