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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—J

Jack-a-napes

or Jackanapes = Jack of apes. An impertinent, vulgar prig. (See Jeannot.) More likely, it is Jack and ape, formed on the model of Jack-ass, a stupid fool.

“I will teach a scurvy jackanape priest to meddle or make.” —Shakespeare: Merry Wives of Windsor, i. 4.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894

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More on Jack-a-napes from Infoplease:

Jack-a-napes - Jack-a-napes or Jackanapes = Jack of apes. An impertinent, vulgar prig. (See Jeannot.) More likely, ...
jackanapes: meaning and definitions - jackanapes: Definition and Pronunciation
William Shakespeare: Merry Wives of Windsor, Act I, Scene IV - What, John Rugby! I pray thee, go to the casement, and see if you can see my master, Master Doctor Caius, coming. If he do, i' faith, and find any bod
Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: J - Definitions, origins, and illustrative excerpts for words, phases, and literary allusions starting with "J"

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