subs. (old).—A general term of contempt: specifically (1) a chatterer; and (2) a fop.
1598. SHAKESPEARE, 1 Henry IV., i. 3.
| I then, all smarting with my wounds being cold, | |
| To be so pestered with a POPINJAY, | |
| Answer’d neglectingly,—I know not what. |
1599. JONSON, Every Man out of his Humour, ii. 2. A number of these POPINJAYS there are.
1620. MASSINGER and FIELD, The Fatal Dowry, iii. 1.
| Nov. jun. What have I done, sir, | |
| To draw this harsh unsavoury language from you? | |
| Rom. Done, POPINJAY! why, dost thou think … |
