Pantomime

(păn'to-mim.) [From Gr. pan, pantos, and mimos, a mimic.) (Dram.) A theatrical entertainment, in which the representation consists altogether of gestures and actions, a isted by scenery, music, and machinery, dialogue or soliloquy being altogether absent. Among the ancients, Pantomimes were persons who could imitate all kinds of actions and characters by signs and gesticulations. Scaliger supposes that they were first introduced upon the stage to succeed the chorus and divert the audience with apish postures and antic dances. In after times their interludes became distinct entertainments, and were separately exhibited. [s. 681]