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 jaunty
Contemporary Examples
That song would soon morph from the jaunty clip of the light rail to the siren sounds of jazz.
"It's been weeks since I left my mark," he said in his jaunty British accent.
Baldwin introduced the show wearing a jaunty blue blazer, but conducted the taped interview wearing a sober gray suit.
She perfectly captures the jaunty, businesslike hooker enjoying the absurd side of her job.
Historical Examples
There was something soldierly in his bearing, and he wore a jaunty cap and jacket.
Barnaby RudgeCharles Dickens
But once he came up out of the cabin with a jaunty feather in his hat.
Tales of FishesZane Grey
He was cool and jaunty, his hands in his pockets, a rose in his buttonhole.
The Long RollMary Johnston
She tried to be jaunty, but the jauntiness did not ring quite true.
The Galaxy PrimesEdward Elmer Smith
To conceal my nervousness I tried to affect an air of jaunty composure.
The CryptogramWilliam Murray Graydon
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 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