Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Nearby Words

jackanapes

 - 3 dictionary results

jack⋅a⋅napes

  [jak-uh-neyps]
Use jackanapes in a Sentence
–noun
1. an impertinent, presumptuous person, esp. a young man; whippersnapper.
2. an impudent, mischievous child.
3. Archaic. an ape or monkey.
Origin:
1400–50; late ME Jakken-apes, lit., jack (i.e., man) of the ape, nickname of William de la Pole (1396–1450), Duke of Suffolk, whose badge was an ape's clog and chain
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To jackanapes
jack·a·napes   (jāk'ə-nāps')   
n.  

  1. A conceited or impudent person.

  2. A mischievous child.

  3. Archaic A monkey or an ape.


[From Middle English Jack Napis, nickname of William de la Pole, Fourth Earl and First Duke of Suffolk (1396-1450).]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

jackanapes 
c.1449, "a monkey," also "an impertinent, conceited fellow;" apparently from Jack of Naples, but whether this is some specific personification or folk etymology of jack (n.) + ape is unknown.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see jackanapes on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way