Harlequin, a character in a Christmas pantomime, in love with Columbine, presumed to be invisible, and deft at tricks to frustrate those of the clown, who is his rival lover.

Har"le*quin (här"l&esl;*k&ibreve;n or -kw&ibreve;n), 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(Zoöl.), an Indian bat (Scotophilus ornatus), curiously variegated with white spots. -- Harlequin beetle(Zoöl.), a very large South American beetle (Acrocinus longimanus) having very long legs and antennæ. The elytra are curiously marked with red, black, and gray. -- Harlequin cabbage bug. (Zoöl.)See Calicoback. -- Harlequin caterpillar. (Zoöl.), the larva of an American bombycid moth (Euchætes egle) which is covered with black, white, yellow, and orange tufts of hair. -- Harlequin duck(Zoöl.), a North American duck (Histrionicus histrionicus). The male is dark ash, curiously streaked with white. -- Harlequin moth. (Zoöl.)See Magpie Moth. -- Harlequin opal. See Opal. -- Harlequin snake(Zoöl.), a small, poisonous snake (Elaps fulvius), ringed with red and black, found in the Southern United States.

Har"le*quin (här"l&esl;*k&ibreve;n or -kw&ibreve;n), v. i. To play the droll; to make sport by playing ludicrous tricks.

Har"le*quin, 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.