Falstaffian

[ fawl-staf-ee-uhn ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or having the qualities of Falstaff, especially his robust, bawdy humor, good-natured rascality, and brazen braggadocio:

   Falstaffian wit.

Falstaffian

/ fɔːlˈstɑːfɪən /

adjective

1. jovial, plump, and dissolute

Word History and Origins

Origin of Falstaffian¹

First recorded in 1800–10; Falstaff + -ian

Word History and Origins

Origin of Falstaffian¹

C19: after Sir John Falstaff , a character in Shakespeare's Henry IV, Parts I–II (1597)

Example Sentences

He was trying to sell the case for military action with the testimonial equivalent of Falstaffian soliloquies.

From The Daily Beast

Presently the fattest one, a real Falstaffian man, came back to the front door and rang a thundering peal.

From Project Gutenberg

Behind his almost Falstaffian mask and laugh of Silenus, he carried a fine, broad, and high intelligence which no one questioned.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Wilson was a local humorist of the Falstaffian stripe, though not so much witty in himself as the cause of wit in others.

From Project Gutenberg

Some of her suitors were widowers—ancient of days, fat and Falstaffian.

From Project Gutenberg

Why the hacking of the Falstaffian sword with the Falstaffian dagger?

From Project Gutenberg