caper 1
— caperer , n. — caperingly , adv.
/kay"peuhr/ , v.i.
1. to leap or skip about in a sprightly manner; prance; frisk; gambol.
n.
2. a playful leap or skip.
3. a prank or trick; harebrained escapade.
4. a frivolous, carefree episode or activity.
5. Slang. a criminal or illegal act, as a burglary or robbery.
6. cut a caper . See cut (def. 44a).
[ 1585-95; fig. use of L caper he-goat (c. OE haefer, ON hafr, OIr caera sheep kap -( e ) ro- for a domesticated smaller animal); for the meaning, compare DOG (v.) ]
Syn. 3. stunt, antic, shenanigans. 4. spree, frolic.
caper 2
/kay"peuhr/ , n.
1. a spiny shrub, Capparis spinosa, of Mediterranean regions, having roundish leaves and solitary white flowers.
2. its flower bud, which is pickled and used for garnish or seasoning. Cf. caper family .
[ 1350-1400; back formation from capers (taken for pl.), ME caperes capparis kápparis ]