henpecked

English

Etymology

hen + pecked

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈhɛnpɛkt/
  • (file)
  • Hyphenation: hen‧pecked

Adjective

henpecked (comparative more henpecked, superlative most henpecked)

  1. (particularly of husbands or boyfriends) Intimidated or overwhelmed by a nagging or overbearing wife or girlfriend.
    • 1884, Henry James, "The Author of Beltraffio" in The English Illustrated Magazine 1 (9–10) (June–July 1884).
      "I noticed that he addressed her as 'My dear,' very genially, without any trace of resentment.... The quickness of the transition made me vaguely ask myself whether he were henpecked,—a shocking conjecture, which I instantly dismissed."

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