1. v. & n.
--v.intr. jump or run about playfully.
--n.
1. a playful jump or leap.
2 a a fantastic proceeding; a prank. b sl. any activity or occupation.
Phrases and idioms:
cut a caper (or capers) act friskily.
Derivatives:
caperer n.
Etymology: abbr. of CAPRIOLE 2. n.1 a bramble-like S. European shrub, Capparis spinosa.
2 (in pl.) its flower buds cooked and pickled for use as flavouring esp. for a savoury sauce.
Etymology: ME capres & F c{acirc}pres f. L capparis f. Gk kapparis, treated as pl.: cf. CHERRY, PEA