*buffoon*

n. [ F. bouffon (cf. It. buffone, buffo, buffa, puff of wind, vanity, nonsense, trick), fr. bouffer to puff out, because the buffoons puffed out their cheeks for the amusement of the spectators. See Buffet a blow. ] A man who makes a practice of amusing others by low tricks, antic gestures, etc.; a droll; a mimic; a harlequin; a clown; a merry-andrew. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Characteristic of, or like, a buffoon. “Buffoon stories.” Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

To divert the audience with buffoon postures and antic dances. Melmoth. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To act the part of a buffoon. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Buffooneries [ F. bouffonnerie. ] The arts and practices of a buffoon, as low jests, ridiculous pranks, vulgar tricks and postures. [ 1913 Webster ]

Nor that it will ever constitute a wit to conclude a tart piece of buffoonery with a “What makes you blush?” Spectator. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Like a buffoon; consisting in low jests or gestures. Blair. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The practices of a buffoon; buffoonery. [ 1913 Webster ]