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pecksniff

[ pek-snif ]

/ ˈpɛk snɪf /

noun

a person of Pecksniffian attitudes or behavior: a virtuousness that only a pecksniff could aspire to.

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CAN YOU GUESS THESE WORDS FROM AROUND THE US?

American English is not always as it appears to be ... get to know regional words in this quiz!

Question 1 of 10

A bet is synonymous with a wager, but what does it mean in New York?

Often it means something is impossible.

It’s another way to agree with someone.

It serves as an apology.

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Origin of pecksniff

First recorded in 1910–15; see origin at Pecksniffian

Words nearby pecksniff

peckerwood, pecking order, Peckinpah, peckish, Peck's Bad Boy, pecksniff, Pecksniffian, pecky, Pecorino, Pecos, Pecos Bill

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for pecksniff

But Mr Pecksniff held up his finger as a caution to her not to interrupt him.
Life And Adventures Of Martin Chuzzlewit|Charles Dickens
I thought,' said Mr Pecksniff, returning to his usual mildness, 'that I addressed a stranger.
Life And Adventures Of Martin Chuzzlewit|Charles Dickens
Here Mr Pecksniff, with a sad smile, bowed, and wiped his eyes.
Life And Adventures Of Martin Chuzzlewit|Charles Dickens
I must have been born with a silver spoon in my mouth, I am sure, to have ever come across Pecksniff.
Life And Adventures Of Martin Chuzzlewit|Charles Dickens

Mr Pecksniff rose from his chair, folded his arms, looked at her, and shook his head.
Life And Adventures Of Martin Chuzzlewit|Charles Dickens

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