English Explanatory Dictionary

panjandrum

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. An important, powerful or influential person; muckamuck.
  2. A self-important or pretentious person.
  3. A massive, rocket-propelled, explosive-laden cart designed by the British military during World War II.

Pronunciation

/pænˈd͡ʒæn.dɹəm/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-panjandrum.wav

Word forms

panjandrum panjandrums panjandra

Etymology

Coined as a nonce word in the 18th century by British dramatist Samuel Foote.

Synonyms

baron big cheese big enchilada big gun big kahuna big man big name big noise big shot bigwig big wheel boss grand poobah head honcho heavy hitter heavyweight high muckamuck high muckety-muck king of all one surveys king of the castle king of the hill kingpin macher mayor muckamuck muckety muck mugwump numero uno panjandrum poobah rooster somebody top banana top boy top cat top dog top gun very important person VIP wheel
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