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(hr"lkn or -kwn), n.[F. arlequin, formerly written also harlequin (cf. It, arlecchino), prob. fr. OF. hierlekin, hellequin, goblin, elf, which is prob. of German or Dutch origin; cf. D. hel hell. Cf. Hell, Kin.] A buffoon, dressed in party-colored clothes, who plays tricks, often without speaking, to divert the bystanders or an audience; a merry-andrew; originally, a droll rogue of Italian comedy. Percy Smith. As dumb harlequin is exhibited in our theaters. Johnson. Harlequin bat (Zol.), an Indian bat (Scotophilus ornatus), curiously variegated with white spots. Harlequin beetle (Zol.), a very large South American beetle (Acrocinus longimanus) having very long legs and antenn. The elytra are curiously marked with red, black, and gray. Harlequin cabbage bug. (Zol.) See Calicoback. Harlequin caterpillar. (Zol.), the larva of an American bombycid moth (Euchtes egle) which is covered with black, white, yellow, and orange tufts of hair. Harlequin Har"lequin (hr"lkn or -kwn), v. i.To play the droll; to make sport by playing ludicrous tricks. Har"lequin v. t.To remove or conjure away, as by a harlequin's trick. And kitten, if the humor hit Has harlequined away the fit. M. Green. スポンサード リンク
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