HARLEQUIN

noun Etymology: ultimately from Italian arlecchino, from Middle French Helquin, a demon Date: 1590 1. a character in comedy and pantomime with a shaved head, masked face, variegated tights, and wooden sword, buffoon , 2. a variegated pattern (as of a textile), a combination of patches on a solid ground of contrasting color (as in the coats of some dogs)