English

Adjective

jackanape ‎(comparative more jackanape, superlative most jackanape)

1. Of or pertaining to a jackanapes.
   • 1599, William Shakespeare, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Act I, Scene 4

     I will teach a scurvy jackanape priest to meddle or make.

Noun

jackanape ‎(plural jackanapes)

1. A jackanapes.

Usage notes

Originally and most commonly, jackanapes is written with a terminal -s, despite being used for the singular. Analyzing the -s as a plural suffix and removing it yields jackanape, which may be proscribed as incorrect, but sees some use.

References

• “Attraction in English”, Charles P. G. Scott, Transactions of the American Philological Association, volume 25, 1893, p. 113