caper

¹

[ key-per ]

verb (used without object)

1. to leap or skip about in a sprightly manner; prance; frisk; gambol.

noun

1. a playful leap or skip.
2. a prank or trick; harebrained escapade.

   Synonyms: antic, stunt

3. a frivolous, carefree episode or activity.

   Synonyms: frolic, spree

4. Slang. a criminal or illegal act, as a burglary or robbery.

caper

²

[ key-per ]

noun

1. a spiny shrub, Capparis spinosa, of Mediterranean regions, having roundish leaves and solitary white flowers.
2. its flower bud, which is pickled and used for garnish or seasoning.

caper

¹

/ ˈkeɪpə /

noun

1. a playful skip or leap
2. a high-spirited escapade
3. cut a caper or cut capers
   1. to skip or jump playfully
   2. to act or behave playfully; frolic
4. slang.
   a crime, esp an organized robbery
5. informal.
   a job or occupation
6. informal.
   a person's behaviour

verb

1. intr to leap or dance about in a light-hearted manner

caper

²

/ ˈkeɪpə /

noun

1. a spiny trailing Mediterranean capparidaceous shrub, Capparis spinosa, with edible flower buds
2. any of various similar plants or their edible parts See also bean caper capers

Derived Forms

• ˈcaperingly, adverb
• ˈcaperer, noun

Other Words From

• caper·er noun
• caper·ing·ly adverb
• un·caper·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of caper¹

First recorded in 1585–95; probably shortening and alteration of capriole ( def )

Origin of caper²

1350–1400; back formation from capers (taken for plural), Middle English caperes < Latin capparis < Greek kápparis

Word History and Origins

Origin of caper¹

C16: probably from capriole

Origin of caper²

C15: from earlier capers, capres (assumed to be plural), from Latin capparis, from Greek kapparis

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. cut a caper. cut ( def 87 ).

Example Sentences

The comedy capers into some outlandish territory, but audiences seem happy to suspend disbelief for the chance to enjoy Farrow and LuPone demonstrate that it’s never too late for a woman to reinvent herself.

From Los Angeles Times

This money-making caper dominates the second act of a show that is a bit overstretched.

From Los Angeles Times

And Nixon’s attempt to cover up the criminal capers of White House operatives — such as the break-in at the office of Ellsberg’s psychiatrist — would figure largely in his disgrace and resignation.

From Los Angeles Times

Chapman persuaded Ford Motor Co. to fulfill his V-8 engine requirements and built the first of what were to become revolutionary Lotus-Fords, pencil-thin cars that looked like spiders capering through the turns.

From Los Angeles Times

Local prosecutors in Silicon Valley did not file charges in that caper.

From Seattle Times