buffoon
    n 1: a rude or vulgar fool [syn: clown, buffoon]
    2: a person who amuses others by ridiculous behavior [syn:
       clown, buffoon, goof, goofball, merry andrew]

buffoon \buf*foon"\, 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.
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buffoon \buf*foon"\, a.
   Characteristic of, or like, a buffoon. "Buffoon stories."
   --Macaulay.
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         To divert the audience with buffoon postures and antic
         dances.                                  --Melmoth.
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buffoon \buf*foon"\, v. i.
   To act the part of a buffoon. [R.]
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Buffoon \Buf*foon"\, v. t.
   To treat with buffoonery. --Glanvill.
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