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harlequin

   Also found in: Medical, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.06 sec.
har·le·quin  (härl-kwn, -kn)
n.
1. Harlequin A conventional buffoon of the commedia dell'arte, traditionally presented in a mask and parti-colored tights.
2. A clown; a buffoon.
adj.
Having a pattern of brightly colored diamond shapes.
[Obsolete French, from Old French Herlequin, Hellequin, a demon, perhaps from Middle English *Herleking, from Old English Herla cyning, King Herla, a mythical figure identified with Woden.]
harlequin
Noun
Theatre a stock comic character, usually wearing a diamond-patterned multicoloured costume and a black mask
Adjective
in varied colours [Old French Herlequin leader of a band of demon horsemen]
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.harlequinharlequin - a clown or buffoon (after the Harlequin character in the commedia dell'arte)
merry andrew, buffoon, clown, goof, goofball - a person who amuses others by ridiculous behavior
Verb1.harlequin - variegate with spots or marks; "His face was harlequined with patches"
dapple, mottle, cloud - colour with streaks or blotches of different shades
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The play continued for a few minutes, and then suddenly, without any warning, Harlequin stopped talking.
The Adventures Of Pinocchio by Collodi, Carlo View in context
The serious exhibited a certain number of heathen gods and heroes, who were certainly the worst and dullest company into which an audience was ever introduced; and (which was a secret known to few) were actually intended so to be, in order to contrast the comic part of the entertainment, and to display the tricks of harlequin to the better advantage.
The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Fielding, Henry View in context
All this time the harlequin was rotating like a beautiful fish, and David requested him to jump through the wall, at which he is such an adept, and first he said he would, and then he said better not, for the last time he did it the people in the next house had made such a fuss.
The Little White Bird by Barrie, James Matthew View in context
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