| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Jack-a-napes or Jackanapes = Jack of apes. | | |
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An impertinent, vulgar prig. (See JEANNOT.) | 1 |
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More likely, it is Jack and ape, formed on the model of Jack-ass, a stupid fool. | 2 |
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“I will teach a scurvy jackanape priest to meddle or make.”—Shakespeare: Merry Wives of Windsor, i. 4. |
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