What does pavone mean?
Pavone is a rare, chiefly literary word with both noun and verb uses. Its original noun sense is “peacock,” an emblem of pride and splendid display, while a figurative pavone is a person who behaves vainly or makes an ostentatious show of themselves. As a verb, to pavone means to strut, pose, or display oneself in a conspicuous and self-advertising manner. The verb often carries a critical or humorous edge: it describes behavior perceived as theatrical, excessive, or designed to attract attention. Although English once used the word fairly directly for the bird, modern speakers are more likely to encounter it in formal writing or historical texts than in everyday conversation. It belongs to a family of words connected with the peacock and with the idea of display, and its unusual sound and old-fashioned character make it especially useful when precise, elevated language is wanted.
A peacock; archaically, a person who displays themselves with vain and conspicuous ostentation.
"The peacock, or pavone, spread its tail before the assembled court."
The literal bird sense is literary and archaic; the figurative sense is generally derogatory.
To behave in a vain, showy, or ostentatious manner, especially in order to attract attention.
"She pavoned in the doorway, waiting for someone to notice her new dress."
Chiefly literary and usually critical or humorous in tone.
The plural is rare and applies to the noun, especially the figurative sense.
"The platform was crowded with politicians eager to appear as pavones."
Once a proud bird of display, “pavone” also calls attention to the human urge to preen in public.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pavone come from?
Pavone entered English through French pavone, from Italian pavone, a form of Latin pavo, “peacock.” The Latin word is related to forms in other Italic languages and has also supplied the scientific genus name Pavo for peafowl. Its English development extended metaphorically from the peacock's conspicuous display to vain or ostentatious behavior in people.
How pavone is actually used
The word is literary and archaic in ordinary use. In older texts it may name the peacock or a peacock's display; its figurative use for showy human behavior is often derisive. The spelling should not be confused with pavane, the Renaissance dance.
Easily confused with pavone
A pavane is a stately Renaissance dance or its music, whereas a pavone is a peacock or an ostentatious display.