Harlequin
['hɑrləkwɪn]
Definition
(noun.) a clown or buffoon (after the Harlequin character in the commedia dell'arte).
(verb.) variegate with spots or marks; 'His face was harlequined with patches'.
Typed by Corinne--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) A buffoon, dressed in party-colored clothes, who plays tricks, often without speaking, to divert the bystanders or an audience; a merry-andrew; originally, a droll rogue of Italian comedy.
(n. i.) To play the droll; to make sport by playing ludicrous tricks.
(v. t.) Toremove or conjure away, as by a harlequin's trick.
Inputed by Jules
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. Buffoon, jester, droll, mountebank, merry-Andrew, punch, clown, zany, scaramouch, fool, antic, jack-pudding, pickle-herring.
Edited by Benson
Definition
n. the leading character in a pantomime the lover of Columbine in a tight spangled dress with a wand by means of which he is supposed to be invisible and to play tricks: a buffoon.—v.i. to play the harlequin.—n. Harlequināde′ the portion of a pantomime in which the harlequin plays a chief part.—Harlequin duck a species of northern sea-duck so called from its variegated markings.
Checker: Tessie
Unserious Contents or Definition
To dream of a harlequin cheating you, you will find uphill work to identify certain claims that promise profit to you. If you dream of a harlequin, trouble will beset you. To be dressed as a harlequin, denotes passionate error and unwise attacks on strength and purse. Designing women will lure you to paths of sin.
Editor: Miriam
Examples
- The box into which the harlequin takes refuge, and which appears to be empty when Pierrot or Cassandra lifts the curtain that shields its entrance, is also a sort of magic cabinet. William K. David. Secrets of Wise Men, Chemists and Great Physicians.
- Georgiana,' said Mr Lammle, low and smiling, and sparkling all over, like a harlequin; 'you are not in your usual spirits. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- And then you won't know me, sir; and I shall not be your Jane Eyre any longer, but an ape in a harlequin's jacket--a jay in borrowed plumes. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- Why do not you play harlequin? Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- In place of these, he was equipped with a sword of lath, resembling that with which Harlequin operates his wonders upon the modern stage. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- The box which the harlequin enters is based upon precisely the same principle. William K. David. Secrets of Wise Men, Chemists and Great Physicians.
- Mr. Cruncher reposed under a patchwork counterpane, like a Harlequin at home. Charles Dickens. A Tale of Two Cities.
- She wanted to show little Fanny, for by that appellation we distinguished her eldest daughter, the Harlequin farce, before she returned to school. Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- The place has thirty or forty thousand inhabitants and is remarkable for being the birthplace of harlequin. Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
- The robed and close-cowled harlequins entered. Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
Typist: Patricia