noun
Meaning 1
One who is pompous or splendid.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: nonce-word
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Standard Lemma guide
pompatus
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.
noun
Meaning 2
Pomp, ostentatiousness, or spectacle.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: nonce-word
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Etymology
First used in the lyrics of Steve Miller's 1972 rock song "Enter Maurice" ("whisper sweet words of epismetology in your ear and speak to you of the pompatus of love.") and popularized in his 1973 rock song "The Joker" ("Cause I speak of the pompatus of love"), but having no apparent meaning in either song. Inspired by the lyric "Oh my darling, let me whisper sweet words of pizmotality and discuss the puppetutes of love" in The Medallions "The Letter" written by Vernon Green. ("Puppetutes" described a fantasy paper-doll or puppet-like girl.)