zanthin

An erroneous form of xanthin. zantho-. For words so beginning, see xantho-. Zantiote (zan'ti-ōt), n. [ Giovanni , zanni, zane, a zany or clown; abbr. of Giovanni, John: see John, and cf. E. Jack in similar use.] 1. A comic performer, originating on the Italian stage, whose function it is to make awkward attempts at mimicking the tricks of the profe ional clown, or the acts of other performers; hence, an apish buffoon in general; a merry-andrew; an amusing fool. He's like a zany to a tumbler, That tries tricks after him to make men laugh. B. Jonson, Every Man out of his Humour, iv. 1. Ile teach thee; thou shalt like my Zany be, And feigne to do my cunning after me. Heywood, Four Prentises of London (Works, ed. 1874, II. [203). The English apes and very zanies be Of everything that they do hear and see. Drayton, To Henry Reynolds. Preacher at once, and zany of thy age! Pope, Ďunciad, iii. 206. He [Granvelle] had been wont, in the days of his greatest insolence, to speak of the most eminent nobles as zanies , lunatics, and buffoons. Motley , Dutch Republic, I. 402. 21. An attendant. Lady, Imperia the courtesan's zany hath brought you this letter from the poor gentleman in the deep dungeon, but would not stay till he had an answer. Middle ton, Blurt, Master-Constable, iii. 1. Syn. 1. Clown, Fool , Buffoon , Mimic , Zany. "The zany in Shakes pere's day was not so much a buffoon and mimic as the obsequious follower of a buffoon and the attenuated mime of a mimic . He was the vice, servant, or attendant of the profe ional clown or fool, who, dre ed like his master, accompanied him on the stage or in the ring, following his movements, imitating his tricks, and adding to the general merriment by his ludicrous failures and comic imbecility. The profe ional clown or fool might be clever and accomplished in his busine , a skilful tumbler and mountebank, doing what he undertook to do thoroughly and well. But this was never the case with the zany . He was always slight and well meaning, but comparatively helple , full of readine , grimace, and alacrity, but also of incompetence, eagerly trying to imitate his superior, but ending in failure and ma es. The leaves are chiefly opposite, linear or filiform; the flowers are minute, at first terminal, but becoming axillary. See horned pondweed, under pondweed.