I. ˈkā-pər noun
Etymology: back-formation from earlier capers (taken as a plural), from Middle English caperis, from Latin capparis, from Greek kapparis
Date: 14th century
1. : any of a genus ( Capparis of the family Capparidaceae, the caper family) of low prickly shrubs of the Mediterranean region ; especially : 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
II. intransitive verb
( ca·pered ; ca·per·ing -p(ə-)riŋ)
Etymology: probably by shortening & alteration from capriole
Date: 1588
: to leap or prance about in a playful manner
III. noun
Date: 1592
1. : a frolicsome leap
2. : a capricious escapade : prank
3. : an illegal or questionable act ; especially : theft