[har.le.quin] n [ultim. fr. It arlecchino, fr. MF Helquin, a demon] (1590) 1 a cap: a character in comedy and pantomime with a shaved head, masked face, variegated tights, and wooden sword b: buffoon
2. a: a variegated pattern (as of a textile) b: a combination of patches on a solid ground of contrasting color (as in the coats of some dogs)