fantoccini

[ fan-tuh-chee-nee ]

plural noun

1. puppets or marionettes manipulated by strings, wires, or mechanical devices.
2. puppet shows using these puppets.

fantoccini

/ ˌfæntəˈtʃiːnɪ /

plural noun

1. marionettes
2. puppet shows in which they are used

Word History and Origins

Origin of fantoccini¹

First recorded in 1770–1780; from Italian, plural of fantoccino, diminutive of fantoccio “doll,” a derivative of fante “child, boy, servant,” by loss of unaccented first syllable from infante, from Latin īnfant-, stem of īnfāns; infant ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of fantoccini¹

C18: from Italian: little puppets, plural of fantoccino , from fantoccio puppet, from fante boy, from Latin infāns infant

Example Sentences

Such a prestidigitator as Signor Fantoccini has only to say—Presto!

From Project Gutenberg

Who ever knew the men of the republic shout like so many Italian fantoccini pulled by wires!

From Project Gutenberg

Sharp unexpected touches evoke humanity in the fantoccini of his wayward art.

From Project Gutenberg

This was an exhibition called the Fantoccini, and far superior to any of the street performances which I have yet seen.

From Project Gutenberg

Many who would turn away in disgust from Mr. Punch, will stand for hours and look at the performances of the Fantoccini.

From Project Gutenberg