different between harlequin vs harlequinade

English

Etymology

From earlier Harlicken, from Middle French Harlequin (in Italian Arlecchino, the name of a popular servant character in commedia dell'arte plays), from Old French Harlequin, Halequin, Herlequin, Hellequin, Hierlekin, Hellekin (a demon, malevolent spirit), probably of Germanic origin, connected to the Old English figure of Herla Cyning (“King Herla”, a mythical figure identified with Woden) or possibly to Old Frisian helle kin, Old English helle cyn, Old Norse heljar kyn (“the kindred of Hell”). Related to Middle English Hurlewain (“a mischievous sprite or goblin”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?h??l?kw?n/
• (US) IPA^(key): /?h??l?kw?n/

Noun

harlequin (plural harlequins)

1. A pantomime fool, typically dressed in checkered colorful clothes.
2. A greenish-chartreuse color.

3. (informal) A harlequin duck.
4. (entomology) Any of various riodinid butterflies of the genera Taxila and Praetaxila.

Usage notes

• Because of its origin in the name of an Italian theatrical character, Harlequin is often used as a proper noun.

Translations

Adjective

harlequin (not comparable)

1. Brightly colored, especially in a pattern like that of a harlequin clown's clothes.
2. Of a greenish-chartreuse color.

Derived terms

Translations

Verb

harlequin (third-person singular simple present harlequins, present participle harlequining, simple past and past participle harlequined)

1. (transitive) To remove or conjure away, as if by a harlequin's trick.
2. (intransitive) To make sport by playing ludicrous tricks.

English

Etymology

From French arlequinade.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /h??l?kw??ne?d/
• Rhymes: -e?d

Noun

harlequinade (plural harlequinades)

1. A pantomime-like comedy featuring the harlequin or clown.
2. Any comical or fantastical procedure or playfulness.
   • 1891, Mary Noailles Murfree, In the "Stranger People's" Country, Nebraska 2005, p. 154:

     Away up the gorge all diurnal fancies trooped into the wide liberties of endless luminous vistas of azure sunlit mountains beneath the shining azure heavens, the ranges and valleys changing with every mood of the atmosphere, with the harlequinade of the clouds and the wind.

Translations

See also

• commedia dell'arte