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pavaner

strut, show off

verb pah-vah-NEH Rare

Usage Note

Pavaner is almost always used reflexively as se pavaner, meaning to strut about proudly like a peacock (paon), from which the word derives. It is mildly pejorative, implying vain self-display. You might say someone se pavane at a party when they are showing off their outfit or achievements.

Examples

"Il se pavanait devant ses collègues."

Natural Translation

He was showing off in front of his colleagues.

Literal Translation

He was strutting before his colleagues.

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