Hypertext Webster Gateway: "buffoon"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Buffoon \Buf*foon"\, a.
Characteristic of, or like, a buffoon. ``Buffoon stories.''
--Macaulay.
To divert the audience with buffoon postures and antic
dances. --Melmoth.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Buffoon \Buf*foon"\, v. i.
To act the part of a buffoon. [R.]
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Buffoon \Buf*foon"\, v. t.
To treat with buffoonery. --Glanvill.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Buffoon \Buf*foon"\, n. [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.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
buffoon
n 1: a rude or vulgar fool [syn: {clown}]
2: a person who amuses others by ridiculous behavior [syn: {clown},
{merry andrew}]
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