/slap"stik'/ , n.
1. broad comedy characterized by boisterous action, as the throwing of pies in actors' faces, mugging, and obvious farcical situations and jokes.
2. a stick or lath used by harlequins, clowns, etc., as in pantomime, for striking other performers, esp. a combination of laths that make a loud, clapping noise without hurting the person struck.
adj.
3. using, or marked by the use of, broad farce and horseplay: a slapstick motion picture.
[ 1895-1900, Amer.; SLAP 1 + STICK 1 ]