Main Entry: ¹za·ny

Pronunciation: \ˈzā-nē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural zanies

Etymology: Italian zanni, a traditional masked clown, from Italian dial. Zanni, nickname for Italian Giovanni John

Date: 1588

1 : a subordinate clown or acrobat in old comedies who mimics ludicrously the tricks of the principal : merry-andrew
2 : a slavish follower : toady
3 a : one who acts the buffoon to amuse others b : nut, kook