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- Dictionaryharlequin/ˈhɑːlɪkwɪn/
noun
- 1. a mute character in traditional pantomime, typically masked and dressed in a diamond-patterned costume.
- 2. a small duck of fast-flowing streams around the Arctic and North Pacific, the male having mainly grey-blue plumage with bold white markings.
adjective
- 1. in varied colours; variegated.
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Harlequin (/ ˈhɑːrləkwɪn /, Italian: Arlecchino, Italian: [arlekˈkiːno]; Lombard: Arlechin, Lombard: [arleˈki]) is the best-known of the comic servant characters (Zanni) from the Italian commedia dell'arte, associated with the city of Bergamo.
1. a. capitalized : a character in comedy and pantomime with a shaved head, masked face, variegated tights, and wooden sword. b. : buffoon. 2. a. : a variegated pattern (as of a textile) b. : a combination of patches on a solid ground of contrasting color (as in the coats of some dogs) Illustration of harlequin. Harlequin. Did you know?
Harlequin definition: 1. a humorous character in plays at the theatre, especially in the past, who wears brightly…. Learn more.
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 character in Italian comedy, subsequently in French light comedy; in English pantomime a mute character supposed to be invisible to the clown and pantaloon; he has many attributes of the clown (his rival in the affections of Columbine) with the addition of mischievous intrigue; he usually wears particoloured bespangled tights and a visor, and ...
Definition of Harlequin noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
1. adjective [ADJ n] You use harlequin to describe something that has a lot of different colors, often in a diamond pattern. [written] ...the striking harlequin floor. Synonyms: colourful, rainbow, psychedelic, variegated More Synonyms of harlequin. 2. countable noun.
n. 1. (often cap.) a comic character in commedia dell'arte and the harlequinade, usu. masked, dressed in multicolored, diamond-patterned tights, and carrying a wooden sword or magic wand. 2. a buffoon. adj. 3. fancifully colorful.
A harlequin is a classic comic pantomime character. In traditional pantomime, a comic performance with silent actors, a harlequin is a funny character who wears a mask and a distinctive diamond-patterned costume.
A comedic servant or clown-like figure. "With a mischievous grin, the harlequin played a prank on the unsuspecting traveler." Detailed meaning of harlequin. The term refers to a character from traditional Italian Commedia dell'arte theater, known for their distinct and colorful attire.
