Obs. Also 4–5 bob(b)aunce. [a. OF. bobance (also boban, -ant) arrogance, pomp: cf. Pr. bobansa of same meaning. See Diez.]
Boasting, pride, pomp.
c. 1325. E. E. Allit. P., B. 179. Bobaunce & bost & bolnande priyde.
c. 1380. Sir Ferumb., 383. Y … am y-come wyþ þe to fiȝt: for al þy grete bobbaunce.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Wifes Prol., 569. Certeinly I sey for no bobance, Yet was I neuere withouten purueiance Of mariage.
1523. Ld. Berners, Froiss., I. cccxcix. 693. For all the great pride and bobance that they were of before. Ibid. (1534), Gold. Bk. M. Aurel. (1546), A a vj b. How often we trust the bobance of this world.
b. concr. in pl. ‘Pomps and vanities.’
1475. Bk. Noblesse, 80. Escheweng alle costius arraiementis of clothing, garmentis, and bobauncees.
