frilled lizard

noun

1. a medium-sized Australian lizard, Chlamydosaurus kingi, having a large, cloaklike flap of skin on the neck that stiffens during courtship or threat displays, forming a wide ruff.

Word History and Origins

Origin of frilled lizard¹

First recorded in 1860–65; frill + -ed ³

Example Sentences

But Mr. Trump exaggerates himself — he’s the frilled lizard of politics, inflating his self-presentation to appear ever larger.

From New York Times

He has made them in the shape of a giant beer bottle, a Porsche and a frilled lizard.

From BBC