pajock

English

Alternative forms

• paiock
• paiocke
• pajocke

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈpeɪ.dʒɒk/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈpeɪ.ˌdʒɑk/

Noun

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.