Dictionary

peacocky en · ADJ

Etymology

Etymology tree Latin pāvōbor. Proto-Germanic *pāwô Proto-West Germanic *pāwō Old English pāwa Middle English pe Proto-Germanic *kukkaz Proto-West Germanic *kokk Old English cocc Middle English cok Middle English pecok English peacock English -y English peacocky From peacock + -y.

Meanings

1. Proud and boastful.
   • From his short passes to the hip-length tan winter coat he slipped on after the game, Pennington proved in myriad ways that he was all about being practical, not peacocky. 2007 January 1, “With Wild-Card Spot Clinched, Jets Can Finally Talk Playoffs”, in New York Times:
2. Of a horse: showy in motion; holding itself high while running.
   • “Samson 4th” was third, a smart, peacocky horse, favoured by his marvellous action, which invariably catches the Judge's eye. 1882, Shire Horse Society, Shire Horse Stud Book, volume 3, page xix:
   • The famous Biennial was won by Earl of Dartrey, a light, peacocky horse, who was, perhaps, better than he looked. 1891, Sir George Chetwynd, Racing Reminiscences and Experiences of the Turf, page 122:

Forms