harlequinesque

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

adjective

1. in the manner of a harlequin.

Word History and Origins

Origin of harlequinesque¹

First recorded in 1880–85; harlequin + -esque

Example Sentences

The director, Alex Roe — who also appears, uncredited, as a Harlequinesque M.C. — has added a snappy prequel and an epilogue, which remind audiences that performers are employees, too.

From New York Times

There were 19 minutes to go when the second row Christian Day completed a passage of play that was Harlequinesque in its ambition and scope, a side of Northampton so rarely seen that it was reminiscent of Angela Rippon flashing a bit of leg on Morecambe and Wise all those years ago, risky compared to risque.

From The Guardian

When we had amused ourselves enough, at the commencement of our sessions, with the marvellous diatribes, wholly unexpected answers, and harlequinesque contortions of our Arcigranellone, we left him up there alone upon the chair of Bembo, and drew from our portfolios compositions in prose and verse, serious or facetious as the theme might be, but sensible, judicious, elegant in phrase, varied in style, and correct in diction.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a powerful young fellow, with bewildered hair and beard, wearing his neck open; his blouse was stained with oil-colours in a harlequinesque disorder; and there was something rural in the droop and bagginess of his belted trousers.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a powerful young fellow, with bewildered hair and beard, wearing his neck open; his blouse was stained with oil-colours in a harlequinesque disorder; and there was something rural in the droop and bagginess of his belted trousers.

From Project Gutenberg