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noun

popinjay

Popinjay (noun) means a decorative image of a parrot on a tapestry, cloth etc.

noun
1
A decorative image of a parrot on a tapestry, cloth etc.
2
A vain, gaudy person; someone who is shallow or superficial.
3
A target to shoot at, typically stuffed with feathers or plumage.
4
The green woodpecker, Picus viridis.
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Etymology

From Middle English popinjay, popyngeay, popingay, popejay, from Anglo-Norman papegai, papejoie et al., (northern) Old French papejai (“parrot”), probably from Old Occitan papagay (compare Occitan papagai, Catalan papagai), ultimately from Arabic بَبْغَاء (babḡāʔ, “parrot”), of imitative origin.

Rhymes for popinjay

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of popinjay?

"popinjay" (noun) means a decorative image of a parrot on a tapestry, cloth etc.

What are the different meanings of popinjay?

"popinjay" has 3 main meanings: 1. A decorative image of a parrot on a tapestry, cloth etc; 2. A vain, gaudy person; someone who is shallow or superficial; 3. A target to shoot at, typically stuffed with feathers or plumage.

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