popinjay Hear it!

popinjay Definition

pop·in·jay (päpin jā′)

noun

  1. a parrot
  2. Obsolete a target consisting of a wooden parrot on a pole
  3. a talkative, conceited person

Etymology: ME papejai < MFr papagai, altered (infl. by gai: see jay) < Ar babghōʾ, babbaghāʾ < a WAfr language: of echoic orig.

popinjay Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

drink-soaked: I am pretty sure I'm a drink-soaked popinjay myself, and formerly many things of a disreputable nature.

Browse dictionary entries near popinjay

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