[ Charles + wain; cf. AS. Carles w&aemacr_;n (for wægn), Sw. karlvagnen, Dan. karlsvogn. See Churl, and Wain. ] (Astron.) The group of seven stars, commonly called the Big Dipper, in the constellation Ursa Major, or Great Bear. See Ursa major, under Ursa. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]
☞ The name is sometimes also applied to the Constellation. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. (Zool.) The red-breasted merganser. [ 1913 Webster ]
[ So called from
n. [ F. arlequin, formerly written also harlequin (cf. It, arlecchino), prob. fr. OF. hierlekin, hellequin, goblin, elf, which is prob. of German or Dutch origin; cf. D. hel hell. Cf. Hell, Kin. ] A buffoon, dressed in parti-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. Percy Smith. [ 1913 Webster ]
As dumb harlequin is exhibited in our theaters. Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]
Harlequin bat (Zool.),
Harlequin beetle (Zool.),
Harlequin cabbage bug. (Zool.)
Harlequin caterpillar. (Zool.),
Harlequin duck (Zool.),
Harlequin moth. (Zool.)
Harlequin opal.
Harlequin snake (Zool.),
v. i. To play the droll; to make sport by playing ludicrous tricks. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t. To remove or conjure away, as by a harlequin's trick. [ 1913 Webster ]
And kitten, if the humor hit
Has harlequined away the fit. M. Green. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ F. arleguinade. ] A play or part of a play in which the harlequin is conspicuous; the part of a harlequin. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. any of several venomous New World snakes brilliantly banded in red and black and either yellow or white, especially the
pos>n. (Zool.) A variety of small pet dogs, having, drooping ears, a high, dome-shaped forehead, pug nose, large, prominent eyes, and long, wavy hair. The color is usually black and tan. [ 1913 Webster ]