Clown (?), n. [Cf. Icel. klunni a clumsy, boorish fellow, North Fries. klnne clown, dial. Sw. klunn log, Dan. klunt log block, and E. clump, n.]

1.

A man of coarse nature and manners; an awkward fellow; an illbred person; a boor.

Sir P. Sidney.

2.

One who works upon the soil; a rustic; a churl.

The clown, the child of nature, without guile. Cowper.

3.

The fool or buffoon in a play, circus, etc.

The clown shall make those laugh whose lungs are tickle o'the sere. Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.


Clown, v. i.

To act as a clown; -- with it

[Obs.]

Behrew me, he clowns it properly indeed. B. Jonson.

 

© Webster 1913.