peacock

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A large male bird with a long, brightly coloured tail that it can spread out like a fan.

   The peacock spread its shimmering tail to attract a mate.

2. 2
   verb

   To show off or strut about proudly to impress others.

   He peacocked around the party in his new designer suit.

3. 3
   noun

   A vain or boastful person who likes to show off.

   What a peacock he is, forever bragging about his car.

From Middle English pecok, pekok, pocok, pacok, equivalent to pea (“peafowl; peacock”) + cock. Compare Old Norse páfugl (“peacock”, literally “pea-fowl”), and English peahen, peachick, etc.

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