pickthank

American  

[pik-thangk] / ˈpɪkˌθæŋk /

noun

Archaic.

1. a person who seeks favor by flattery or gossip; sycophant.

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Etymology

Origin of pickthank

First recorded in 1490–1500; noun use of verb phrase pick a thank, pick thanks

Example Sentences

"It were very just to lay you beside him," he said, "but the blood of a base pickthank shall never mix on my father's dirk with that of a brave man."

From International Short Stories English by Various

There at my farm I fear no evil eye; No pickthank blights my crops as he goes by; My honest neighbours laugh to see me wield A heavy rake, or dibble my own field.

From The Satires, Epistles, and Art of Poetry by Conington, John

Le Mercier was a pickthank, angling after the favor of La Pompadour,—a pretentious knave, as hollow as one of his own mortars.

From The Golden Dog by Kirby, William

Run through the list of faults; whate'er you be, Coward, pickthank, spitfire, drunkard, debauchee, Submit to culture patiently, you'll find Her charms can humanize the rudest mind.

From The Satires, Epistles, and Art of Poetry by Conington, John

"It were very just to lay you peside him," he said, "but the blood of a pase pickthank shall never mix on my father's dirk, with that of a brave man."

From Chronicles of the Canongate by Scott, Walter, Sir