Jackanape

Origin

Back-formation from {{3}}

Full definition of jackanape

Adjective

1. Of or pertaining to a jackanapes.
• Shakespeare Merry Wives|act=I|scene=iv|passage=I will teach a scurvy jackanape priest to meddle or make.

Noun

1. 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.