buffoon
NounWordNet 3.0
Noun (2)
- a rude or vulgar foolSynonyms: clown
- a person who amuses others by ridiculous behaviorSynonyms: clowngoofgoofballmerry andrew
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onerousadjective
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
buf·foon′ (…), noun
Origin: F. bouffon (cf. It. buffone, buffo, buffa, puff of wind, vanity, nonsense, trick), fr. bouffer to puff out, because the buffoons puffed out their cheeks for the amusement of the spectators. See Buffet a blow.
A man who makes a practice of amusing others by low tricks, antic gestures, etc.; a droll; a mimic; a harlequin; a clown; a merry-andrew.
buf·foon′ (…), adjective
Characteristic of, or like, a buffoon. “Buffoon stories.” Thomas Babington Macaulay
To divert the audience with buffoon postures and antic dances.— William Melmoth
buf·foon′ intransitive verb
To act the part of a buffoon. rare
Buf·foon′ transitive verb
To treat with buffoonery. Joseph Glanvill
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54