Buffont

(Costume.) A projecting covering of gauze or linen for a lady's breast, in fashion in and after the year 1750, a period when English and French lady's costume was very ungraceful. The B. entirely concealed the neck and bosom, and stuck out from beneath the chin like the breast of a pigeon. It was generally accompanied by some other ugly articles of costume which were invented at that time. The B. was worn in Paris as late as 1788. Buffoon, ( buf - fön ' .) n. [Fr. bouffon , from bouffer ; It. buffare , to puff, to trifle, to jest, to play the fool.] One who excites laughter by puffing out his cheeks and making grimaces; one who makes sport by low jests, antic postures, and low gestures; a droll; a mimic. -In England, the name B. was sometimes applied to those persons who were employed as fools at court or at the tables of great men. -v. i. To play the part of a buffoon. (R.) -v. a. To render or make ridiculous.