coxcombry

American  

[koks-kohm-ree] / ˈkɒksˌkoʊm ri /

noun

plural

coxcombries

1. the manners or behavior of a coxcomb.

2. a foppish trait.

---

coxcombry British  

/ ˈkɒksˌkəʊmrɪ /

noun

1. conceited arrogance or foppishness

---

Etymology

Origin of coxcombry

First recorded in 1600–10; coxcomb + -ry

Example Sentences

"You appear reconciled to our situation with marvellous good grace," I managed to say at last, in a tone which made no attempt to conceal my disgust at his coxcombry.

From Prisoners of Chance The Story of What Befell Geoffrey Benteen, Borderman, through His Love for a Lady of France by Parrish, Randall

A proverb has preserved a curious custom of ancient coxcombry, which originally came from the 49 Greeks.

From Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 3 by Disraeli, Isaac

But the coxcombry of Harvey and the felicitous impertinence of Nash have sometimes diverted attention from the actual state of the case.

From A History of Elizabethan Literature by Saintsbury, George

He wondered if it hadn’t been a sort of coxcombry in him to think there was any danger to her in free and frequent intercourse with him!

From A Beautiful Alien by Magruder, Julia

The coxcombry of French early life had disappeared, and left behind it only that general grace and spirit which makes the maturity of a foreign life its most interesting portion.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 58, Number 360, October 1845 by Various