All 3 Uses of
swagger
in
The Brothers Karamazov
- "Likely I should refuse it," boomed Rakitin, obviously abashed, but carrying off his confusion with a swagger.†
Chpt 7 *swagger = walk and behave in a highly confident manner
- Mitya walked with a drunken swagger to the locked door, and began knocking to the Poles with his fist.†
Chpt 8
- It was merely stated that the criminal, whose approaching trial was making such a sensation—retired army captain, an idle swaggerer, and reactionary bully—was continually involved in amorous intrigues, and particularly popular with certain ladies "who were pining in solitude."†
Chpt 11swaggerer = someone who walks and behaves in a highly confident manner
Definition:
walk or behave in a highly confident or proud manner -- often arrogant and sometimes to impress or intimidate others
Swagger is often used to imply that someone moves or behaves as though they are so strong and capable as to be above physical fear. Such people are often portrayed on television as gang members or cowboys.