harlequin

n. (harlequin) name of a mute character in pantomime, usu. Masked and dressed in a diamond-patterned costume. attrib. Adj. In varied colours. [french]

n. 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.