noun
1. : a delayed reaction to a surprising or significant situation after initial failure to recognize anything unusual — usually used in the phrase do a double take
we all did a double take at the sight of two housewives hanging out the family wash in a pouring rain — E.J.Moran
specifically : a technique of comic acting in which an actor at first reacts inappropriately (as if from absentmindedness) to a line of dialogue or to a situation and then quickly reacts appropriately
2. : a second look
bypassers sometimes gave the lawn a quick double take and went on — R.M.Yoder