[dan.dy] n, pl dandies [prob. short for jack-a-dandy, fr. [1]jack + a (of) + dandy (origin unknown)] (ca. 1780) 1: a man who gives exaggerated attention to personal appearance
2: something excellent in its class -- dan.dy.ish adj -- dan.dy.ish.ly adv
[2]dandy adj dan.di.er ; -est (1792) 1: of, relating to, or suggestive of a dandy: foppish
2: very good: first-rate "a ~ place to stay"