3 entries under this word

Harlequin

Hār'le-quin, n.

noun

(-kĭn or -kwĭn), n. [Fr. harlequin, arlequin, Sp. arlequin, It. arlecchino; prob. from O. Fr. hierlekin, hellequin, goblin, elf, L. Lat. harlequinus, hellequinus, from D. & O. Ger. helle, hell.] A buffoon, dressed in party-colored clothes, who plays tricks, often without speaking, to divert the bystanders or an audience; a merry-andrew; a zany. “As dumb harlequin is exhibited in our theaters.” Johnson.

Hār'le-quīn, v. i.

verbintransitive

(-kĭn or -kwĭn), v. i. To play the droll; to make sport by playing ludicrous tricks.

Hăr'le-quīn, v. t.

verbtransitive

(-kĭn or -kwĭn), v. t. To remove, as by a harlequin's trick.

And kitten, if the humor hit, Has harlequined away the fit. Green.