wikipedia
English
Image:Cezanne Harlequin.JPG|thumb
Etymology
from Middle Dutch hellekijn, meaning little hell,then in French hellequin and in Italian Arlecchino, the name of a popular servant character in commedia dell'arte plays.
Pronunciation
(US) IPA: /�h�rl��kwɪn/
Noun
en-noun
- a pantomime clown, typically dressed in checkered clothes
#*1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling
#*:... were certainly the worst and dullest company into which an audience was ever introduced; and (which was a secret known to few) were actually intended so to be, in order to contrast the comic part of the entertainment, and to display the tricks of harlequin to the better advantage.
Usage notes
Because of its origin in the name of an Italian theatrical character, English Harlequin is often used as a proper name.
Adjective
harlequin
- brightly coloured, especially in a pattern like that of a harlequin clown's clothes
Derived terms
harlequin duck
harlequinade
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