I. ˈklau̇n noun
Etymology: probably of Low German origin; akin to Frisian klönne clumsy fellow, Old English clyne lump of metal
Date: 1563
1. : farmer , countryman
2. : a rude ill-bred person : boor
3.
a. : a fool, jester, or comedian in an entertainment (as a play) ; specifically : a grotesquely dressed comedy performer in a circus
b. : a person who habitually jokes and plays the buffoon
c. : joker 1b
II. intransitive verb
Date: 1599
: to act as or like a clown
always clown ing around