COCKSCOMB

comb, cockscomb, coxcomb

(noun) the fleshy red crest on the head of the domestic fowl and other gallinaceous birds

cockscomb, coxcomb

(noun) a cap worn by court jesters; adorned with a strip of red

coxcomb, cockscomb

(noun) a conceited dandy who is overly impressed by his own accomplishments

cockscomb, common cockscomb, Celosia cristata, Celosia argentea cristata

(noun) garden annual with featherlike spikes of red or yellow flowers

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

cockscomb (plural cockscombs)

The fleshy red crest of a rooster

A red cap once worn by court jesters

A yellow rattle, Rhinanthus minor (flowering plant native to Eurasia)

An annual garden plant, Celosia cristata, having showy red clusters of flowers

(archaic) A conceited dandy

(nautical) A serrated cleat once fitted to the yards of a square-rigged ship and used when the sail was being reefed

Source: Wiktionary

Cocks"comb, n. Etym: [1st cock, n. + comb crest.]

1. See Coxcomb.

2. (Bot.)

Definition: A plant (Celosia cristata), of many varieties, cultivated for its broad, fantastic spikes of brilliant flowers; -- sometimes called garden cockscomb. Also the Pedicularis, or lousewort, the Rhinanthus Crista-galli, and the Onobrychis Crista-galli.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition