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illustration Falstaffian

Falstaffian

[fall-STAF-ee-ən]

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Unknown, 1800s

1.

Relating to or resembling Shakespeare's character Sir John Falstaff in being fat, jolly, and debauched.

Examples of Falstaffian in a sentence

"The Falstaffian lion barely moved when the safari truck drew near."

"Despite a Falstaffian reputation, he could quickly become very serious."

About Falstaffian

The word Falstaffian developed from William Shakespeare's character Sir John Falstaff. In transition from a proper noun to adjective, the word has come to describe people similar to Falstaff (rotund and jolly).

Did you Know?

William Shakespeare's character Sir John Falstaff appears in a grand total of three plays — Henry IV, Henry V, and The Merry Wives of Windsor. Falstaff was predominantly used by the Bard as comic relief, though he does show brief depth of character.

illustration Falstaffian

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