jaunty
[jawn-tee, jahn-]
- easy and sprightly in manner or bearing: to walk with a jaunty step.
- smartly trim, as clothing: a jaunty hat.
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Origin of jaunty
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for jauntily
Contemporary Examples
Meanwhile, New York Magazine ran a jauntily satirical article—“Bro, Can You Spare, Like, Five Bills?”
Springer jauntily replies, quickly adding that his tawdry syndicated show is probably a more accurate harbinger of the End Times.
And let's not forget death panels, Sarah Palin's jauntily inflammatory phrase for the "Independent Medicare Advisory Board."
Historical Examples
"To me, it is a matter of perfect indifference," said I, jauntily.
A Day's RideCharles James Lever
"A feller's got to be in this country," he replied, jauntily.
They of the High TrailsHamlin Garland
Sandy handed Brewer a cigar and stuck one, jauntily, in his own mouth.
The Secret of the Storm CountryGrace Miller White
All were strolling as leisurely and jauntily as only true plutocrats can afford to do.
The Rich Little Poor BoyEleanor Gates
“Some chaps is always thinking about going to bed,” said Bob jauntily.
QuicksilverGeorge Manville Fenn
jaunty
- sprightly, self-confident, and cheerful; briska jaunty step
- smart; trima jaunty hat
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Word Origin
C17: from French gentil noble; see genteel
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for jauntily
jaunty
adj.
1660s, "elegant, stylish," from French gentil "nice, pleasing," in Old French "noble" (see gentle). Form reflects attempt to render the French pronunciation of gentil. Meaning "easy and sprightly in manner" first attested 1670s. Related: Jauntily; jauntiness.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper