boasts definition

1. To dress, as a stone, with a broad chisel.

2. To shape roughly as a preparation for the finer work to follow; to cut to the general form required.

Origin: Of uncertain etymology.

1. To vaunt one's self; to brag; to say or tell things which are intended to give others a high opinion of one's self or of things belonging to one's self; as, to boast of one's exploits courage, descent, wealth. "By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: . Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Eph. Ii. 8, 9)

2. To speak in exulting language of another; to glory; to exult. "In God we boast all the day long." (Ps. Xiiv. 8)

Synonyms: To brag, bluster, vapor, crow, talk big.

Origin: OE. Bosten, boosten, v, bost, boost, n, noise, boasting; cf. G. Bausen, bauschen, to swell, pusten, Dan. Puste, Sw. Pusta, to blow, Sw. Posa to swell; or W. Bostio to boast, bost boast, Gael. Bosd. But these last may be from English.

1. To display in ostentatious language; to speak of with pride, vanity, or exultation, with a view to self-commendation; to extol. "Lest bad men should boast Their specious deeds." (Milton)

2. To display vaingloriously.

3. To possess or have; as, to boast a name. To boast one's self, to speak with unbecoming confidence in, and approval of, one's self; followed by of and the thing to which the boasting relates. "Boast not thyself of to-morrow." (Prov. Xxvii)

(01 Mar 1998)