clown (kloun)
n.

1. 1. A buffoon or jester who entertains by jokes, antics, and tricks in a circus, play, or other presentation.
   2. One who jokes and plays tricks.
2. A coarse, rude, vulgar person; a boor.
3. A peasant; a rustic.

intr.v., clowned, clown·ing, clowns.

1. To behave like a buffoon or jester.
2. To perform as a buffoon or jester.

[Of Scandinavian origin (akin to Icelandic klunni, clumsy person) or of Low German origin.]

clownish clown'ish adj.
clownishly clown'ish·ly adv.
clownishness clown'ish·ness n.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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