Harlequin

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ˈhÉ‘rləˌkwɪn/

Origin

From Middle French Harlequin (in Italian Arlecchino, the name of a popular servant character in commedia dell'arte plays) from Old French *Harlequin, Halequin, Herlequin, Hellequin ("a demon, malevolent spirit"), connected to the Old English figure of Herla Cyning ("King Herla"), a mythical figure identified with Woden.

Full definition of harlequin

Noun

1. a pantomime fool, 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

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

Derived terms

• harlequinade
• harlequin bat
• harlequin beetle
• harlequin cabbage bug
• harlequin caterpillar
• harlequin duck
• harlequin moth
• harlequin opal
• harlequin snake

Verb

1. (transitive) To remove or conjure away, as if by a harlequin's trick.
• M. GreenAnd kitten, if the humour hit
  Has harlequined away the fit.
2. (intransitive) To make sport by playing ludicrous tricks.