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jackanape. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
jackanape, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
jackanape in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
jackanape you have here. The definition of the word
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English
Etymology
Back-formation from jackanapes.
Pronunciation
Adjective
jackanape (comparative more jackanape, superlative most jackanape)
- Of or pertaining to a jackanapes.
c. 1597 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merry Wiues of Windsor”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies (First Folio), London: Isaac Iaggard, and Ed Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, :I will teach a scurvy jackanape priest to meddle or make.
Noun
jackanape (plural jackanapes)
- A jackanapes.
Usage notes
Originally and most commonly, jackanapes is written with a terminal -s, despite being used for the singular. Analyzing the -s as a plural suffix and removing it yields jackanape, which may be proscribed as incorrect, but sees some use.
References
- “Attraction in English”, Charles P. G. Scott, Transactions of the American Philological Association, volume 25, 1893, p. 113