harlequinade

[ hahr-luh-kwi-neyd, -ki- ]

/ ˌhɑr lə kwɪˈneɪd, -kɪ- /

noun

a pantomime, farce, or similar play in which Harlequin plays the principal part.

buffoonery.

Nearby words

Origin of harlequinade

From the French word arlequinade, dating back to 1770–80. See harlequin, -ade¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for harlequinade

The scenes described are as full of movement as a harlequinade.
The Heroine|Eaton Stannard Barrett
But it is the harlequinade accelerated, intensified, toned up for the exacting taste of the great and growing "picture" public.
Adventures and Enthusiasms|E. V. Lucas
A bit high-spirited when they come on in the harlequinade, but all in good part.
Carnival|Compton Mackenzie
We did Belphegor and The Witch and a harlequinade last night.
The Matador of the Five Towns and Other Stories|Arnold Bennett

On the 10th he performed in a harlequinade, entitled, “The Man in the Moon.”
Norfolk Annals|Charles Mackie

British Dictionary definitions for harlequinade

harlequinade

/ (ˌhɑːlɪkwɪˈneɪd) /

noun

(sometimes capital) theatre a play or part of a pantomime in which harlequin has a leading role

buffoonery

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012