Daily entries from the 17th century London diary
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From dictionary.com: ‘Coxcomb is a corrupted spelling of cock’s comb, the comb of a rooster, hence the badge resembling it that was worn in the cap of a professional fool or jester, hence the wearer of the cap, hence a fool or a vain and silly man.’
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The OED gives as meaning 3 of “coxcomb” the following definition:
3. A fool, simpleton (obs.); now, a foolish, conceited, showy person, vain of his accomplishments, appearance, or dress; a fop; a superficial pretender to knowledge or accomplishments ( -
as above plus Samuel Johnson : refs King Lear
then ” fop; a superficial pretender to Knowledge or accomplisments.”
refs: Hudibras p 1 cant iii.;
L’Estrange Fable 135:
Dry’d Dufres:
Pope.