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 acapitalized : a character in comedy and pantomime with a shaved head, masked face, variegated tights, and wooden sword b: buffoon2 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]