Fool coxcomb i coxcomb \koks-kohm noun conceited foolish dandy - Hard English Vocabulary

Back	coxcomb \KOKS-kohm\
Front	noun A conceited, foolish dandy; pretentious fop. [Coxcomb is a corrupted spelling of cock's comb, the comb of a rooster, hence the badge resembling it that was worn in the cap of a professional fool or jester, hence the wearer of the cap, hence a fool or a vain and silly man.] In a country where intellect and action are trammelled and restrained, men of rank and fortune may become idlers and triflers with impunity; but an English coxcomb is inexcusable… - Washinton Irving, Bracebridge Hall, or The Humorists, A Medley , 1821 ...He is extremely insinuating; but it's a vulgar nature. I saw through it in a minute. He is altogether too familiar; - I hate familiarity. He is a plausible coxcomb . - Henry James

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coxcomb \KOKS-kohm\

Front

noun

A conceited, foolish dandy; pretentious fop.

[Coxcomb is a corrupted spelling of cock's comb, the comb of a rooster, hence the badge resembling it that was worn in the cap of a professional fool or jester, hence the wearer of the cap, hence a fool or a vain and silly man.]

In a country where intellect and action are trammelled and restrained, men of rank and fortune may become idlers and triflers with impunity; but an English coxcomb is inexcusable… - Washinton Irving, Bracebridge Hall, or The Humorists, A Medley , 1821

...He is extremely insinuating; but it's a vulgar nature. I saw through it in a minute. He is altogether too familiar; - I hate familiarity. He is a plausible coxcomb . - Henry James

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Fool Coxcomb I Coxcomb \Koks Kohm Noun Conceited Foolish Dandy