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

But Howell was not only much more of a gossip than Izaak; he was also a good deal of a coxcomb, while Walton was destitute of even a trace of coxcombry.

From A History of Elizabethan Literature by Saintsbury, George

There is a class of Scottish ministers in the present day, who, though they detest show and coxcombry, have yet a very decided leaning to the picturesque ceremonies of the Episcopal Church.

From Leading Articles on Various Subjects by Davidson, John

He had been some time a widower, had long retired from the service, was less given to quarrels and coxcombry, but more trivial and teasing.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine - Volume 62, No. 384, October 1847 by Various

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, even more base than his coxcombry, he despised her because it was he, Edwin, to whom she had taken a fancy.

From Clayhanger by Bennett, Arnold