harlequinade

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

noun

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

2. buffoonery.

harlequinade

/ ˌhɑːlɪkwɪˈneɪd /

noun

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

2. buffoonery

Word History and Origins

Origin of harlequinade¹

From the French word arlequinade, dating back to 1770–80. See harlequin, -ade ¹

Example Sentences

Albinati is a scholar of the harlequinade of masculinity, its rites and subtleties.

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In 17th Century England, some of the these characters were adapted into a type of early pantomime called a "harlequinade", most famously featuring the cheeky and acrobatic harlequin.

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He screamed with joy after nailing the word and did the same after spelling "harlequinade."

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I had made, in any case, as much noise as a harlequinade.

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Briefly this is a Greek temple pediment, in which, doubtful of their power to carve figures beautiful enough, they cut a trefoiled hold for ornament, and bordered the edge with a harlequinade of mosaic.

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