Synonyms for popinjay

Grammar : Noun

Spell : pop-in-jey

Phonetic Transcription : ˈpɒp ɪnˌdʒeɪ

Top 10 synonyms for popinjay

Other synonyms for the word popinjay

Définition of popinjay

Origin : late 13c., "a parrot," from Old French papegai (12c.), from Spanish papagayo, from Arabic babagha', Persian babgha "parrot," possibly formed in an African or other non-Indo-European language and imitative of its cry. Ending probably assimilated in Western European languages to "jay" words (Old French jai, etc.).
Used of people in a complimentary sense (in allusion to beauty and rarity) from early 14c.; meaning "vain, talkative person" is first recorded 1520s. Obsolete figurative sense of "a target to shoot at" is explained by Cotgrave's 2nd sense definition: "also a woodden parrot (set up on the top of a steeple, high tree, or pole) whereat there is, in many parts of France, a generall shooting once euerie yeare; and an exemption, for all that yeare, from La Taille, obtained by him that strikes downe" all or part of the bird.

As in Beau Brummel : noun ladies' man
As in coxcomb : noun fop
As in fop : noun dandy

Example sentences :

Yes, I was thinking what a popinjay I should look in a cocked hat.
Extract from : « Syd Belton » by George Manville Fenn

That it has given a peacock's strut to the popinjay Anthony Woodville.
Extract from : « The Last Of The Barons, Complete » by Edward Bulwer-Lytton

"Then will they miss seeing a man, and not a popinjay," I retorted.
Extract from : « To Have and To Hold » by Mary Johnston

Am I to be shot at like a popinjay at a fair, by any reaver or outlaw that seeks a mark for his bow?
Extract from : « Sir Nigel » by Arthur Conan Doyle

You should see the figure you cut with that popinjay in your arms.
Extract from : « The Shadow of Life » by Anne Douglas Sedgwick

I'll be shot if you shall have an invitation to Lancaster Park, you popinjay!
Extract from : « Lancaster's Choice » by Mrs. Alex. McVeigh Miller

Then will they miss seeing a man, and not a popinjay, I retorted.
Extract from : « By order of the company » by Mary Johnston

Taylor, the water poet, mentions the Popinjay at Ewell, in 1636.
Extract from : « The History of Signboards » by Jacob Larwood

Two only of those who followed in order succeeded in hitting the popinjay.
Extract from : « Old Mortality, Complete, Illustrated » by Sir Walter Scott

But the popinjay could not sing, and had no invitation to stay.
Extract from : « Dorothy and other Italian Stories » by Constance Fenimore Woolson

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019