Harlequin

(hahr'le-kwin.) [Etymology unknown.] (Dram.) The name given to the chief male performer in a pantomime. He is attired in a parti-colored dre , with ah alf mask, and is perpetually dancing, leaping, or performing tricks with his wonder-working wand. This character, borrowed from the Romans, was first introduced into Italian comedy, where he united extravagant buffoonery with great corporeal agility. That part of a pantomime which follows the transformation scene, and introduces the " fun " of the performance, is called the harlequinade. [s. 439]