Popinjay Definition
(now archaic) A parrot. [from 14th c.]
(heraldry) A heraldic representation of a parrot. [from 15th c.]
Other Word Forms of Popinjay
Noun
Origin of Popinjay
-
From Anglo-Norman papejei, papejoie et al., (northern) Old French papejai (“parrot"), probably from Old Provençal papagay (compare Occitan papagai, Catalan papagai), ultimately from Arabic ببغاء (babġā', “parrot"), of imitative origin.
From Wiktionary
Middle English parrot from Old French papegai from Spanish papagayo or Old Provençal papagai both from Arabic babġā’, babaġā’ from Persian babbaghā
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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