Relating to or characteristic of a harlequin, particularly in style, appearance, or behavior that is comical, varied, or playful.
From harlequin (a character in commedia dell'arte known for colorful motley costumes) + -ic suffix. Harlequin itself comes from Old French Harlequin, possibly from Italian Arlecchino, with origins tracing to medieval trickster folklore.
The word harlequin gave us 'harlequin duck'—a strikingly colorful North American duck whose geometric patterned plumage made naturalists think it worthy of theatrical costume comparison, showing how animal names borrowed from culture reflect human perception of nature.
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