Rantipole

[David Myer]

Apparently Pip, in Dickens' Great Expectations was called "young rantipole" by his older sister who thought him ill-behaved and disorderly.

And in North America, Washington Irving wrote, rather picturesquely, in 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow': “This rantipole hero had for some time singled out the blooming Katrina for the object of his uncouth gallantries, and though his amorous toyings were something like the gentle caresses and endearments of a bear, yet it was whispered that she did not altogether discourage his hopes.”

But this obscure word has been around for more than 300 years and it seems no-one knows its origin.

Any ideas?

[Slava]

Taken up and treated here.

[David Myer]

Once again, Slava, this was taken up by the Doctor at my suggestion.