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harlequinade

[hahr-luh-kwi-neyd, -ki-]
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noun
  1. a pantomime, farce, or similar play in which Harlequin plays the principal part.
  2. buffoonery.
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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. 2018

Examples from the Web for harlequinade

Historical Examples

  • The scenes described are as full of movement as a harlequinade.

    The Heroine

    Eaton Stannard Barrett

  • At the end of the harlequinade he sank down on one knee and kissed her hand.

    The History of Pendennis

    William Makepeace Thackeray

  • On the 10th he performed in a harlequinade, entitled, “The Man in the Moon.”

    Norfolk Annals

    Charles Mackie

  • 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.

British Dictionary definitions for harlequinade

harlequinade

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