harlequinade

[ hahr-luh-kwi-neyd, -ki- ]

/ ˌhɑr lə kwɪˈneɪd, -kɪ- /

a pantomime, farce, or similar play in which Harlequin plays the principal part.

Origin of harlequinade

From the French word arlequinade, dating back to 1770–80. See harlequin, -ade¹

The scenes described are as full of movement as a harlequinade.

The Heroine |Eaton Stannard Barrett
But it is the harlequinade accelerated, intensified, toned up for the exacting taste of the great and growing "picture" public.

Adventures and Enthusiasms |E. V. Lucas
A bit high-spirited when they come on in the harlequinade, but all in good part.

Carnival |Compton Mackenzie
We did Belphegor and The Witch and a harlequinade last night.

The Matador of the Five Towns and Other Stories |Arnold Bennett

On the 10th he performed in a harlequinade, entitled, “The Man in the Moon.”

Norfolk Annals |Charles Mackie

harlequinade

/ (ˌhɑːlɪkwɪˈneɪd) /

(sometimes capital) theatre a play or part of a pantomime in which harlequin has a leading role

buffoonery