harlequinade

noun

har·​le·​quin·​ade ˌhär-li-k(w)ə-ˈnād 

: a play or pantomime in which Harlequin has a leading role

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History of Harlequin

When capitalized, Harlequin refers to a stock character of the Italian commedia dell’arte and subsequently the pantomime traditions of other nations. The character began in the 16th century as an unscrupulous comic servant, later became a faithful valet involved in amorous exploits, and ultimately evolved into a clownlike figure engaging in good-natured joking and amusing tricks. Harlequin’s outfit began as peasant clothes covered in bright patches and developed into a tight-fitting costume with bright triangles and diamond shapes and a black half-mask. Harlequin was the principal character of pantomime slapstick plays known as harlequinades.

Examples of harlequinade in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Grimaldi is credited with expanding the role of the clown in British theater's harlequinade. —Mike Sager, Esquire, 4 June 2015

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined above