Definition

1. Noun:
   • A conceited, foolish, or pretentious man; a dandy: A "coxcomb" is a person, typically a man, who is excessively vain, proud of his appearance, and overly impressed with his own accomplishments. This usage emphasizes vanity and foolish self-importance.
   • (Archaic) The fleshy red crest or comb on the head of a rooster or similar bird: This is the original, literal meaning of the word, referring to a physical feature of a bird.
   • (Archaic) A jester's cap; a cap adorned with a strip of red resembling a cock's comb: Historically, this refers to a specific type of cap worn by court jesters.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Person):

  • He strutted about like a coxcomb, constantly admiring his reflection.
  • The young coxcomb was more interested in his clothes than in the conversation.

• Noun (Bird Anatomy - Archaic):

  • The rooster's bright red coxcomb stood erect. (This usage is now rare and mostly found in older texts.)

• Noun (Jester's Cap - Archaic):

  • The court jester doffed his coxcomb to the king. (This is a historical usage.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is now primarily used in a literary or humorous context to describe a vain, foppish man. Its original meanings related to birds and jesters' caps are considered archaic.
• It often carries a strong connotation of ridicule and contempt for the person's empty vanity.

Variants and Related Words

• Coxcombical (adj): Having the characteristics of a coxcomb; foppish, vain.
  • His coxcombical manners were off-putting to the more serious guests.

Synonyms

• Dandy: A man unduly devoted to style, neatness, and fashion in dress and appearance.
• Fop: A man who is excessively concerned with his clothes and appearance.
• Popinjay: A vain or conceited person, especially one who dresses or behaves extravagantly.
• Beau: A boyfriend or male admirer; also, a dandy. (Less derogatory than "coxcomb").
• Peacock: A vain person given to self-display; strutter.

Antonyms

• Modest person: Someone who is unassuming in the estimation of their abilities or achievements.
• Sloven: A person who is habitually untidy or careless in their appearance.

Noun

1. the fleshy red crest on the head of the domestic fowl and other gallinaceous birds
2. a cap worn by court jesters; adorned with a strip of red
3. a conceited dandy who is overly impressed by his own accomplishments