Definitions for popinjays

• Definition
• Anagrams (234)

popinjays pop·in·jay

Spelling: [pop-in-jey]

IPA: /ˈpɒp ɪnˌdʒeɪ/

Popinjays is a 9 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 22 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 26 points.

You can make 234 anagrams from letters in popinjays (aijnoppsy).

Definitions for popinjays

noun

1. a person given to vain, pretentious displays and empty chatter; coxcomb; fop.
2. British Dialect. a woodpecker, especially the green woodpecker.
3. Archaic. the figure of a parrot usually fixed on a pole and used as a target in archery and gun shooting.
4. Archaic. a parrot.

Origin of popinjays

1275-1325; Middle English papejay, popingay, papinjai(e) Middle French papegai, papingay parrot Spanish papagayo Arabic bab(ba)ghā'

Examples for popinjays

You should see the figure you cut with that popinjay in your arms.

Two only of those who followed in order succeeded in hitting the popinjay.

"Then will they miss seeing a man, and not a popinjay," I retorted.

Am I to be shot at like a popinjay at a fair, by any reaver or outlaw that seeks a mark for his bow?

Then will they miss seeing a man, and not a popinjay, I retorted.

That it has given a peacock's strut to the popinjay Anthony Woodville.

Yes, I was thinking what a popinjay I should look in a cocked hat.

I'll be shot if you shall have an invitation to Lancaster Park, you popinjay!

Taylor, the water poet, mentions the popinjay at Ewell, in 1636.

But the popinjay could not sing, and had no invitation to stay.