Cōx'cōmb, n.

(-kōm), n. [A corruption of cock's comb.]

1. (a.) A strip of red cloth notched like the comb of a cock, which licensed fools wore formerly in their caps. (b.) The cap itself. Shak.
2. The top of the head, or the head itself.

We will belabor you a little better, And beat a little more care into your coxcombs. Beau. & Fl. 3. A vain, showy fellow; a superficial pretender to knowledge or accomplishments; a fop; a fool. “A political coxcomb.” Grattan. Things that I never disliked in my life, Though clogged with a coxcomb and Kitty his wife. Goldsmith. 4. (Bot.) A plant of several species, including the Celosia cristata, which produces red flowers resembling the comb of a cock.