panache

American  

[puh-nash, -nahsh] / pəˈnæʃ, -ˈnɑʃ /

noun

1. a grand or flamboyant manner; verve; style; flair.

   The actor who would play Cyrano must have panache.

2. an ornamental plume of feathers, tassels, or the like, especially one worn on a helmet or cap.

3. Architecture. the surface of a pendentive.

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panache British  

/ -ˈnɑːʃ, pəˈnæʃ /

noun

1. a dashing manner; style; swagger

   he rides with panache

2. a feathered plume on a helmet

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Etymology

Origin of panache

First recorded in 1545–55; variant (after French ) of pennache, from Middle French, from early Italian pennachio, from Late Latin pinnāculum, diminutive of pinna “wing”; identical in form with pinnāculum “roof gable, peak”; pinnacle

Example Sentences

He visited burrows he’d lived in from past years, but they looked worn and tired now; they lacked what Major Puff deemed “the proper puffin panache.”

From Literature

On Sunday, in blazing sunshine, Gu delivered with panache, posting a best score of 94.75 to dazzle the judges, soaring high above the lip of the halfpipe and executing her tricks with precision.

From Barron's

Last week we saw them win with panache, this week we saw them win through belligerence and character.

From BBC

For all of the pain and despair at the heart of Preston’s story, his musical contributions brim with optimism and panache.

From Salon

Mr. Pinsker’s deep research, interpretive daring and fine writing advance the case with panache.

From The Wall Street Journal