I. intransitive verb
Etymology: perhaps akin to Middle High German swanken to sway; akin to Middle Dutch swanc supple
Date: 1708
: show off , swagger ; also : boast 1
II. ˈswaŋk adjective
Etymology: Middle Low German or Middle Dutch swanc supple; akin to Old High German swingan to swing
Date: 1773
Scottish : full of life or energy : active
III. adjective
or swanky ˈswaŋ-kē
( swank·er or swank·i·er ; -est )
Date: circa 1842
1. : characterized by showy display : ostentatious
a swank limousine
2. : fashionably elegant : smart
a swank restaurant
• swank·i·ly -kə-lē adverb
• swank·i·ness -kē-nəs noun
IV. noun
Date: circa 1854
1. : arrogance or ostentation of dress or manner : pretentiousness , swagger
2. : elegance , fashionableness