Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Madcap
Mad′capˊ
,Adj.
1.
Inclined to wild sports; delighting in rash, absurd, or dangerous amusements.
“The merry madcap lord.” Shak.
2.
Wild; reckless.
“Madcap follies” Beau. & Fl.
Mad′capˊ
,Noun.
A person of wild behavior; an excitable, rash, violent person.
Shak.
Definition 2024
madcap
madcap
English
Alternative forms
- mad-cap
- mad cap
Adjective
madcap (comparative more madcap, superlative most madcap)
- impulsive, hasty or reckless; capricious.
- The film featured a madcap car chase that went right through a crowded café.
Usage notes
Especially used for adventurous activities.
Noun
madcap (plural madcaps)
- An impulsive, hasty, capricious person.
- (obsolete) An insane person, a lunatic.
- 1590s, William Shakespeare, The Life and Death of King John, Act 1, Scene 1:
- Why, what a madcap hath heaven lent us here!
- 1590s, William Shakespeare, The Life and Death of King John, Act 1, Scene 1:
References
- “Off the top.”, The Word Detective, October 28, 2005
- The Shakespearian dictionary, Smith, Elder, & co., 1832, p. 189