noun
or char·lie ˈchärlē, -ȧlē, -li
( -s )
Usage: often capitalized
Etymology: diminutive of Charles, proper name
1.
[perhaps after Charles I died 1649 king of England, who in 1640 improved the watchman system in London]
slang : night watchman
2.
[after Charles I, who wore such a beard]
: a short pointed beard
3. : a usually black-faced or toothbrush-mustached clown whose forte is lugubrious pathos
4.
[perhaps after Charlie Chan, fictional Chin. detective created by Earl Derr Biggers died 1933 American novelist]
: an Oriental person