Burlesquer

bur·lesque  (br-lsk)

n.

1. A literary or dramatic work that ridicules a subject either by presenting a solemn subject in an undignified style or an inconsequential subject in a dignified style. See Synonyms at caricature.

2. A ludicrous or mocking imitation; a travesty: The antics of the defense attorneys turned the trial into a burlesque of justice.

3. A variety show characterized by broad ribald comedy, dancing, and striptease.

v. bur·lesqued, bur·lesqu·ing, bur·lesques

v.tr.

To imitate mockingly or humorously: "always bringing junk . . . home, as if he were burlesquing his role as provider" (John Updike).

v.intr.

To use the methods or techniques of burlesque.

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[From French, comical, from Italian burlesco, from burla, joke, probably from Spanish, from Vulgar Latin *burrula, diminutive of Late Latin burrae, nonsense, from burra, wool.]

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bur·lesque adj.

bur·lesquely adv.

bur·lesquer n.