COXCOMB

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does coxcomb mean? 

• COXCOMB (noun)
  The noun COXCOMB has 3 senses:

1. a conceited dandy who is overly impressed by his own accomplishments

2. a cap worn by court jesters; adorned with a strip of red

3. the fleshy red crest on the head of the domestic fowl and other gallinaceous birds

  Familiarity information: COXCOMB used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• COXCOMB (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A conceited dandy who is overly impressed by his own accomplishments

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Synonyms:

cockscomb; coxcomb

Hypernyms ("coxcomb" is a kind of...):

beau; clotheshorse; dandy; dude; fashion plate; fop; gallant; sheik; swell (a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A cap worn by court jesters; adorned with a strip of red

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

cockscomb; coxcomb

Hypernyms ("coxcomb" is a kind of...):

cap (a tight-fitting headdress)

Sense 3

Meaning:

The fleshy red crest on the head of the domestic fowl and other gallinaceous birds

Classified under:

Nouns denoting animals

Synonyms:

cockscomb; comb; coxcomb

Hypernyms ("coxcomb" is a kind of...):

crest (a showy growth of e.g. feathers or skin on the head of a bird or other animal)

Holonyms ("coxcomb" is a part of...):

gallinacean; gallinaceous bird (heavy-bodied largely ground-feeding domestic or game birds)

 Context examples 

There would have been either the ostentation of a coxcomb, or the evasions of a mind too weak to defend its own vanities.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

Not at all—I never saw him; but I fancy he is very unlike his brother—silly and a great coxcomb.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

He is the greatest coxcomb I ever saw, and amazingly disagreeable.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

Jo knew that 'young Laurence' was regarded as a most eligible parti by worldly mamas, was much smiled upon by their daughters, and flattered enough by ladies of all ages to make a coxcomb of him, so she watched him rather jealously, fearing he would be spoiled, and rejoiced more than she confessed to find that he still believed in modest girls.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

It will be a bitter pill to her; that is, like other bitter pills, it will have two moments' ill flavour, and then be swallowed and forgotten; for I am not such a coxcomb as to suppose her feelings more lasting than other women's, though I was the object of them.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

If I find him conversable, I shall be glad of his acquaintance; but if he is only a chattering coxcomb, he will not occupy much of my time or thoughts.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

"A great coxcomb!" repeated Miss Steele, whose ear had caught those words by a sudden pause in Marianne's music.— "Oh, they are talking of their favourite beaux, I dare say."

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

His father only called him a coxcomb, and thought it a very good story; but that Mrs. Weston did not like it, was clear enough, by her passing it over as quickly as possible, and making no other comment than that all young people would have their little whims.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

He addressed her with easy civility, and twisted his head into a bow which assured her as plainly as words could have done, that he was exactly the coxcomb she had heard him described to be by Lucy.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)