I. ˈhärlə̇k(w)ə̇n, ˈhȧl - noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by obsolete French harlequin, from Middle French, from Old Italian arlecchino ) of earlier harlicken, modification of Old Italian arlecchino, from Middle French Helquin, Hannequin, Hennequin, leader of a troop of malevolent spirits popularly believed to fly through the air at night, from Old French Hellequin, Hielekin, Hierlekin, probably from (assumed) Middle English Herle king (whence Medieval Latin Herla rex ) King Herle, mythical figure who may originally have been identical with Woden, chief god of the Germanic peoples
1.
a. usually capitalized : a quick-witted zany servant who is a stock character in commedia dell'arte, appears variously in European and American pantomime and ballet as a clown, a foppish simpleton, a magician, and the languishing lover of Columbine, and usually wears a mask and parti-colored tights and carries a lath sword
b. : buffoon
2. : harlequin duck
3.
a. : a variegated pattern (as of a textile)
b. : a combination of colors in patches on a solid ground (as in the coats of some dogs)
a Great Dane's handsome harlequin
[s]harlequi.jpg[/s] [
Harlequin
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II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to make a patchwork of : mottle
his face was harlequined with patches of some white cream he used for his complexion — Frederick Buechner
III. adjective
1. : of a type or style inspired by or characteristic of Harlequin
harlequin hat
a harlequin day, a strayed reveler from April, in glittering lozenges of blue and silver — Elinor Wylie
2. : of variegated usually brilliant color and pattern
harlequin fish