HARLEQUIN, in the Italian comedy, a buffoon dressed in parti-coloured clothes, and answering to our merry-andrew or jack-pudding. Harlequin has also been introduced upon our stage, and is one of the standing characters in the modern pantomime. The term, according to Ménage, took its origin from a famous Italian comedian who appeared at Paris in the time of Henry III., and, from frequenting the
Harley. house of M. de Harlay, was called by his companions Harlequino, little Harlay.