jackanapes Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun someone who is unimportant but cheeky and presumptuous
    whippersnapper; lightweight.

WordNet

Jack"a*napes noun
Etymology
For Jack o' (= of) apes; prop., a man who exhibits apes.
Definitions
  1. A monkey; an ape. Shak.
  2. A coxcomb; an impertinent or conceited fellow.
    A young upstart jackanapes. Arbuthnot.

Webster 1913