Main Entry:

brown·nose

Pronunciation:

\ˈbrau̇(n)-ˌnōz\

Function:

transitive verb

Etymology:

from the implication that servility is equivalent to having one's nose in the anus of the person from whom advancement is sought

Date:

circa 1939

: to ingratiate oneself with : curry favor with

— brownnose noun

— brown·nos·er noun