[ca.per] n [back-formation fr. earlier capers (taken as a plural), fr. ME caperis, fr. L capparis, fr. Gk kapparis] (14c) 1: any of a genus (Capparis of the family Capparidaceae, the caper family) of low prickly shrubs of the Mediterranean region; esp: one (C. spinosa) cultivated for its buds
2: one of the greenish flower buds or young berries of the caper pickled and used as a seasoning or garnish
[2]caper vi ca.pered ; ca.per.ing [prob. by shortening & alter. fr. capriole] (1588): to leap or prance about in a playful manner [3]caper n (1592) 1: a frolicsome leap
2: a capricious escapade: prank
3: an illegal or questionable act; esp: theft