jaunty

Definition

Airy; showy; finical.

Etymology

Formerly spelt janty, from French gentil. See gentle, and compare genty. Doublet of genteel, gentile, and gentle.

Example Sentences

• "He wore a jaunty outfit that was all the rage."
• "It was probably this circumstance which gave him an interest beyond any that his companion could boast of, and attracted Barnaby’s attention. There was something soldierly in his bearing, and he wore a jaunty cap and jacket."
• "He walked down the street with a jaunty swaggering step, as if daring others less perfectly satisfied to intrude upon his good mood."