jack-a-napes

Noun

jackanapes (plural jackanapeses)

1. (obsolete) (A proper name for) an ape or monkey, especially a tame one kept for entertainment or as a pet.
   • To iettynge, to iaggynge, and to full of iapes; / To mockynge, to mowynge, to lye a iackenapes: […]a. 1530 (date written), John Skelton, “Magnyfycence, a Goodly Interlude and a Mery, […]”, in Alexander Dyce, editor, The Poetical Works of John Skelton: […], volume I, London: Thomas Rodd, […]...
2. (broadly, dated, derogatory) (A proper name for) a person thought to behave like an ape or monkey, for example, in being impudent, mischievous, vain, etc.; specifically (chiefly humorous), an impudent or mischievous child.
   • I [Aye], quoth Jack a napes, by these ten bones, / Nothing happens amiss to a præparid minde, / Tis good philosophy, katt will to kinde.1573 September (date written), Gabriel Harvey, “The Schollars Loove, or Reconcilement of Contraryes. The Very First Inglish Meeter that Ever I Made.”, in Edward John Long Scott, editor, Letter-book...

   Synonyms:

   brazenface, cheeky chappie, cheeky chops, cheeky monkey, malapert, minx, saucebox, agitator, bad boy, bad news

3. (broadly, derogatory, obsolete, rare) A crucifix.
   • I wyl rather haue these knees pared of, then I wil kneele to yonder iacknapes (meaning the rode) God healpe me I am borne to trouble and aduersity in this world.1562 May 4 (date written; Gregorian calendar), Ihon [i.e., John] Bullingham, quoting Julins Palmer, “The History and Martirdom of a Learned and Vertuous Yong Man Called Iulines Palmer”, in John Foxe...
4. (broadly, obsolete) A small pulley which keeps a rope in line when lifting ore, water, etc., from a mine.