a clown or buffoon (after the Harlequin character in the commedia dell'arte).
A conventional buffoon of the commedia dell'arte, traditionally presented in a mask and parti-colored tights.
"They have also been widely used in the theater, Beginning with the Greek drama and continuing through medieval mystery plays, and the Italian commedia dell'arte, as well as in other theater traditions (e.g., Japanese No drama). "
