ˌhärlə̇k(w)əˈnād, ˌhȧl- noun
( -s )
Etymology: modification (influenced by harlequin ) of French arlequinade, from arlequin harlequin (from Middle French, from Old Italian arlecchino ) + -ade
1.
a. : a play or pantomime in which the harlequin has a leading role ; especially : an introductory burlesque scene dominated by a clown and a harlequin
b. : an extravaganza ballet that features a dancing clown and other figures of fantasy
2. : a plotless comedy : farce
incomparably at his best in the audacious harlequinade — Atlantic
life is … a harlequinade written by a madman — H.J.Laski