Popinjay

Pronunciation

• UK enPR: pŏʹpÄ­njā, IPA: /ˈpÉ’pɪndÊ’eɪ/
• US enPR: päʹpÄ­njā', IPA: /ˈpÉ‘pÉ™nËŒdÊ’eɪ/

Origin

From Anglo-Norman papejei, papejoie et al., (northern) Old French papejai ("parrot"), probably from Old Provencal papagay (compare Occitan papagai, Catalan papagai), ultimately from Arabic ببغاء (babġā', "parrot"), of imitative origin.

Full definition of popinjay

Noun

1. (obsolete) A decorative image of a parrot on a tapestry, cloth etc. 14th-16th c.
2. (now archaic) A parrot. from 14th c.
3. (heraldiccharge) A heraldic representation of a parrot. from 15th c.
4. A vain, gaudy person; someone who is shallow or superficial. from 16th c.
5. (archery) A target to be shot at, typically stuffed with feathers or plumage. from 16th c.
6. (UK) The green woodpecker, Picus viridis. from 19th c.