merry-andrew

[ mer-ee-an-droo ]

noun

1. a clown; buffoon.

merry-andrew

noun

1. a joker, clown, or buffoon

Word History and Origins

Origin of merry-andrew¹

1665–75; merry + Andrew, generic use of the proper name

Word History and Origins

Origin of merry-andrew¹

C17: original reference of Andrew unexplained

Example Sentences

The footmen in yellow were his tumblers and trumpeters, and those in blue his merry-andrew, his apothecary, and his spokesman.

From Project Gutenberg

My very breath was arrested when I saw the merry-andrew you made of yourself.

From Project Gutenberg

The very street-boys would hunt me through the market-place for a merry-andrew!

From Project Gutenberg

Merry-Andrew and the Spune slipped out of the house, followed by the stranger, who pretended to give them chase.

From Project Gutenberg

The worthy fellow soon became the jester and merry-andrew of the boatswain's mess, where a berth had been kept for him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• buffoon
• comedian
• comic
• fool
• jester
• mime
• prankster