Definitions

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  • noun Plural form of jackanapes.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • It may be objected by some hopeful jackanapeses, that the number of impressments in the navy, consequent upon the seizure of the Boy-Joneses, or remaining portion of the population ambitious of Court Favour, will be in itself sufficient to defend our Island from foreign invasion.

    Miscellaneous Papers 2007

  • I had a letter from Bernage from Kinsale: he tells me his commission for captain-lieutenant was ready for him at his arrival: so there are two jackanapeses I have done with.

    The Journal to Stella 2003

  • Do you suppose I've nothing to do but wait on jackanapeses like you and your mates?

    The Fifth Form at Saint Dominic's A School Story Talbot Baines Reed 1872

  • I had a letter from Bernage from Kinsale: he tells me his commission for captain-lieutenant was ready for him at his arrival: so there are two jackanapeses I have done with.

    The Journal to Stella Jonathan Swift 1706

  • But I tell those jackanapeses, sir, that while I admit the wisdom of the Boy Jones precedent, of kidnapping such youths after the expiration of their several terms of imprisonment as vagabonds; hurrying them on board ship; and packing them off to sea again whenever they venture to take the air on shore; I deny the justice of the inference; inasmuch as it appears to me, that the inquiring minds of those young outlaws must naturally lead to their being hanged by the enemy as spies, early in their career; and before they shall have been rated on the books of our fleet as able seamen.

    Miscellaneous Papers 2007

  • He was indignant when he saw one of those jackanapeses with his arm round the back of Grace's chair; he says that such company is not fit for the lady that is going to be his wife; and he now insists on fixing the day, the settlements, and everything, or of breaking off the match. "

    Spring Days 1892

  • "Well," said he, when he had exhausted his vocabulary (not a small one) of expletives -- "well, of all the grinning jackanapeses, this is the coolest go!

    The Fifth Form at Saint Dominic's A School Story Talbot Baines Reed 1872

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