Meaning of harlequin in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Definitions
  3. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈhɑrləkwən/

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    UK accent

  1. Verb

    harlequin

    Definitions

    1. variegate with spots or marks

    Examples

    • « His face was harlequined with patches »

  2. Noun

    harlequin

    Etymology

    late 16th century: from obsolete French, from earlier Herlequin (or Hellequin), the name of the leader of a legendary troop of demon horsemen; perhaps ultimately related to Old EnglishHerla cyning ‘King Herla’, a mythical figure sometimes identified with Woden

    Definitions

    1. a clown or buffoon (after the Harlequin character in the commedia dell'arte)

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