harlequin

[ hahr-luh-kwin, -kin ]

noun

1. (often initial capital letter) a comic character in commedia dell'arte and the harlequinade, usually masked, dressed in multicolored, diamond-patterned tights, and carrying a wooden sword or magic wand.
2. a buffoon.
3. any of various small snakes having bright diamond-pattern scales.

adjective

1. fancifully varied in color, decoration, etc.:

   harlequin pants.

2. resembling a harlequin's mask:

   harlequin glasses.

harlequin

/ ˈhɑːlɪkwɪn /

noun

1. sometimes capital theatre a stock comic character originating in the commedia dell'arte; the foppish lover of Columbine in the English harlequinade. He is usually represented in diamond-patterned multicoloured tights, wearing a black mask
2. a clown or buffoon

adjective

1. varied in colour or decoration
2. (of certain animals) having a white coat with irregular patches of black or other dark colour

   harlequin Great Dane

3. comic; ludicrous

Other Words From

• harle·quin·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of harlequin¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from French, Middle French (h)arlequin, semantically (and in part phonetically), from Italian arlecchino, from Middle French, phonetically continuing unattested Old French harlequin, halequin “a malevolent spirit” (compare mesniee Hellequin a troop of demonic horsemen, literally, “Hellequin's escort”), probably from unattested Middle English Herla king, Old English Her(e)la cyning “King Herle” (unattested), presumably a legendary figure, rendered in Anglo-Latin as Herla rex; compare Old High German Herilo a personal name, derivative of heri “armed forces”

Word History and Origins

Origin of harlequin¹

C16: from Old French Herlequin, Hellequin leader of band of demon horsemen, perhaps from Middle English Herle king (unattested) King Herle, mythical being identified with Woden

Example Sentences

Owning these harlequins should be a piece of cake, and the woman who spent most of her career sticking it to abusive husbands and predatory bankers could be just the man to get things moving.

From Salon

The collection reached its apex with Hawkins-inspired pieces, particularly the multicolored pants that married contemporary flair with a nod to the traditional harlequin attire, showcasing Anderson’s talent for fusing historical references with modern design.

From Seattle Times

Big sloping smile, a harlequin grin, her father used to call it.

From Literature

A riot of colors, ludic patterns, and subtle riffs on harlequins.

From Seattle Times

It was a romantic, whimsical collection, full of ruffs and harlequin prints and sweeping skirts, and maybe not what we’d expect from a designer known for elegant minimalism.

From Seattle Times