Definition of Harlequin

1. Verb. Variegate with spots or marks. "His face was harlequined with patches"

Generic synonyms: Cloud, Dapple, Mottle

2. Noun. A clown or buffoon (after the Harlequin character in the commedia dell'arte).
Generic synonyms: Buffoon, Clown, Goof, Goofball, Merry Andrew

Definition of Harlequin

1. n. A buffoon, dressed in party-colored clothes, who plays tricks, often without speaking, to divert the bystanders or an audience; a merry-andrew; originally, a droll rogue of Italian comedy.

2. v. i. To play the droll; to make sport by playing ludicrous tricks.

3. v. t. To remove or conjure away, as by a harlequin's trick.

Definition of Harlequin

1. Noun. a pantomime fool, typically dressed in checkered clothes ¹

2. Adjective. brightly coloured, especially in a pattern like that of a harlequin clown's clothes ¹

3. Verb. (transitive) To remove or conjure away, as if by a harlequin's trick. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Harlequin

1. [n -S]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Harlequin

harked
harken
harken back
harkened
harkener
harkeners
harkening
harkens
harkerite
harking
harks
harl
harle
harlech group
harled
harlequin
harlequin-snake
harlequin chromosome
harlequin duck
harlequin ducks
harlequin eye
harlequin ichthyosis
harlequin opal
harlequin reaction
harlequinade
harlequinades
harlequined
harlequinesque
harlequining

Literary usage of Harlequin

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Early Opera in America by Oscar George Theodore Sonneck (1915)
"It lasted from September 24 to November 23, and the musical entertainments presented were these: 1767, Oct. 9: Harlequin Restored. ..."

2. The Gentleman's Magazine (1794)
"My Grandmother—The Children in the Wood—Harlequin ... 17. Love in a Village—Majd of the Oaks. 28. Hamlet—Harlequin and ..."

3. Biographia Dramatica: Or, A Companion to the Playhouse: Containing by David Erskine Baker, Isaac Reed, Stephen Jones (1812)
"The music was composed by Dr. Arne, but it does not appear who was the contriver of the pantomime ; in which, as usual, Harlequin is the favoured lover of ..."

4. Biographia Dramatica: Or, A Companion to the Playhouse: Containing by David Erskine Baker, Isaac Reed, Stephen Jones (1812)
"The music was composed by Dr. Arne, but it does not appear who was the contriver of the pantomime; in which, as usual, Harlequin is the favoured lover of ..."

5. The Dublin University Magazine: A Literary and Political Journal (1864)
"Harlequin—Human being! How handsome she is ! I begin to distrust myself. ... Harlequin.—I dread you more than all the beasts of the wood. Columbine. ..."

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