peacocky

English

Etymology

From peacock +‎ -y.

Adjective

peacocky (comparative more peacocky, superlative most peacocky)

1. Proud and boastful.
   • 2007 January 1, “With Wild-Card Spot Clinched, Jets Can Finally Talk Playoffs”, in New York Times‎^[1]:

     From his short passes to the hip-length tan winter coat he slipped on after the game, Pennington proved in myriad ways that he was all about being practical, not peacocky.

2. Of a horse: showy in motion; holding itself high while running.
   • 1882, Shire Horse Society, Shire Horse Stud Book, volume 3, page xix:

     “Samson 4th” was third, a smart, peacocky horse, favoured by his marvellous action, which invariably catches the Judge's eye.

   • 1891, Sir George Chetwynd, Racing Reminiscences and Experiences of the Turf, page 122:

     The famous Biennial was won by Earl of Dartrey, a light, peacocky horse, who was, perhaps, better than he looked.

References

• John Camden Hotten (1873) The Slang Dictionary