CAPER

I. noun Etymology: back-formation from earlier ~s (taken as a plural), from Middle English ~is, from Latin capparis, from Greek kapparis Date: 14th century any of a genus ( Capparis of the family Capparidaceae, the ~ family) of low prickly shrubs of the Mediterranean region, one of the greenish flower buds or young berries of the ~ pickled and used as a seasoning or garnish, II. intransitive verb (~ed; ~ing) Etymology: probably by shortening & alteration from capriole Date: 1588 to leap or prance about in a playful manner, III. noun Date: 1592 a frolicsome leap, a capricious escapade ; prank , an illegal or questionable act