boast

boast

boast¹ [bōst]

vt.

[< ?]

to do preliminary shaping on (sculpture, stonework, etc.) with a broad chisel

boast² [bōst]

vi.

[ME bosten < bost, n. < Anglo-Fr; prob. via Gmc * bausia- (cf. Norw baus, bold, haughty), ult. < IE * bhōu-, var. of base * bheu-, to grow, swell > BE]

1. to talk proudly about deeds, abilities, etc., either one's own or those of someone close to one, esp. in a manner showing too much pride and satisfaction; brag

2. Archaic to be vainly proud; exult

vt.

1. to boast about

2. to glory in having or doing (something); be proud of [the town boasts a fine new library]

n.

1. the act of one who boasts

2. anything boasted of

boaster

n.

boastingly

adv.

SYN.- BOAST¹, the basic term in this list, merely suggests pride or satisfaction, as in one's deeds or abilities [you may well boast of your efficiency ]; BRAG suggests greater ostentation and overstatement [he bragged of what he would do in the race ]; VAUNT, a formal, literary term, implies greater suavity but more vainglory than either of the preceding [vaunt not in your triumph ]; SWAGGER suggests a proclaiming of one's superiority in an insolent or overbearing way; CROW² suggests loud boasting in exultation or triumph [crowing over one's victory ]