I. ˈzā-nē noun
( plural zanies )
Etymology: Italian zanni, a traditional masked clown, from Italian dialect Zanni, nickname for Italian Giovanni John
Date: 1588
1. : a subordinate clown or acrobat in old comedies who mimics ludicrously the tricks of the principal : merry-andrew
2. : a slavish follower : toady
3.
a. : one who acts the buffoon to amuse others
b. : nut , kook
II. adjective
( za·ni·er ; -est )
Date: 1609
1. : being or having the characteristics of a zany
2. : fantastically or absurdly ludicrous
a zany movie
• za·ni·ly ˈzā-nə-lē adverb
• za·ni·ness ˈzā-nē-nəs noun