Main Entry: har·le·quin

Pronunciation: \ˈhär-li-k(w)ən\

Function: noun

Etymology: ultimately from Italian arlecchino, from Middle French Helquin, a demon

Date: 1590

1 a capitalized : a character in comedy and pantomime with a shaved head, masked face, variegated tights, and wooden sword b : buffoon
2 a : a variegated pattern (as of a textile) b : a combination of patches on a solid ground of contrasting color (as in the coats of some dogs)

[harlequin illustration]