Meaning of popinjay | Babel Free

Definitions

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

Equivalents

Examples

“[I]nnumerable popingayes of ſundry kindes are found chattering in the groues of thoſe fenny places.”

“The very quintessence of popinjay vulgarity is reached when nicely is made to do service for well, in this wise: "How do you do?" "Nicely." "How are you?" "Nicely."”

CEFR level