harlequinade

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

noun

1. a pantomime, farce, or similar play in which Harlequin plays the principal part.
2. buffoonery.

harlequinade

/ ˌhɑːlɪkwɪˈneɪd /

noun

1. sometimes capital theatre a play or part of a pantomime in which harlequin has a leading role
2. buffoonery

Word History and Origins

Origin of harlequinade¹

From the French word arlequinade, dating back to 1770–80. See harlequin, -ade ¹

Example Sentences

Albinati is a scholar of the harlequinade of masculinity, its rites and subtleties.

From New York Times

In 17th Century England, some of the these characters were adapted into a type of early pantomime called a "harlequinade", most famously featuring the cheeky and acrobatic harlequin.

From BBC

He screamed with joy after nailing the word and did the same after spelling "harlequinade."

From Reuters

I had made, in any case, as much noise as a harlequinade.

From Project Gutenberg

Briefly this is a Greek temple pediment, in which, doubtful of their power to carve figures beautiful enough, they cut a trefoiled hold for ornament, and bordered the edge with a harlequinade of mosaic.

From Project Gutenberg