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jackanapes definition

jacka·napes (jakə nāps′)

noun

  1. Archaic a monkey
  2. a conceited, insolent, presumptuous fellow
  3. a pert, mischievous child

Etymology: ME Jac Napes, nickname of William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk (1396-1450), whose badge was a clog and a chain like a tame ape's

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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