pajock

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English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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Unknown. First attested in the 16th century, in the writing of William Shakespeare and possibly coined by him.

Pronunciation

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Noun

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pajock (plural pajocks)

  1. (archaic) A peacock, a male peafowl, noted for its large and extravagantly coloured tail.
  2. (obsolete, derogatory) savage, degenerate
    • c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies [] (First Folio), London: [] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene ii]:
      For thou dost know, O Damon dear,
      This realm dismantled was
      Of Jove himself, and now reigns here
      A very very — pajock
    • 1954, C. S. Lewis, chapter 15, in The Horse and His Boy, →ISBN:
      “Peace! Your Majesties! My Lords!” said King Lune. “Have we no more gravity among us than to be so chafed by the taunt of a pajock?”
    • 1958, L. Sprague De Camp, The Tower of Zanid:
      And wearing my stolen beard, I'll be bound! I'll trounce the pugging pajock in seemly style!
    • 2002, Jude Deveraux, A Knight in Shining Armor, page 111:
      “Dickie Harewood is a tardy-gaited, unhaired pajock.” Dougless frowned, not understanding. “An ass, madam,” Nicholas explained.