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DictionaryharlequinCostumed comic figure
noun / adjective

harlequin

HAR-luh-kwin/ˈhɑːrləkwɪn/

A comic character wearing a costume patterned in contrasting colors.

The masked harlequin balances a tray while making an exaggerated bow.

A traditional Italian stage Harlequin in a colorful diamond-patterned costume and black half-mask performs a comic, exaggerated servant's bow while balancing a small serving tray.
Etymology
harlequinItaliancomic servant character

Arlecchino was a stock comic servant, depicted as crass and bumbling. His conspicuous costume also gave English harlequin an adjective meaning “particolored.”

In context

PBS KIDS5:11
This is a costume for a court jester, or harlequin,
Wondering and Asking Questions | Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Full Episode!

More examples

  • She plays a mischievous harlequin in the comedy.
  • Two harlequins in colorful costumes tumble across the stage.
  • The curtain has a bright harlequin pattern of red and yellow diamonds.

Forms

harlequin · harlequins

Similar words

clown
A broader comic performer, not necessarily wearing a diamond-patterned costume.
jester
Traditionally a court entertainer rather than this specific theatrical character.