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Webster 1913 Edition


Buffoonery

Buf-foon′er-y

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Buffooneries
.
[F.
bouffonnerie
.]
The arts and practices of a buffoon, as low jests, ridiculous pranks, vulgar tricks and postures.
Nor that it will ever constitute a wit to conclude a tart piece of
buffoonery
with a “What makes you blush?”
Spectator.

Webster 1828 Edition


Buffoonery

BUFFOON'ERY

,
Noun.
The arts and practices of a buffoon; low jests; ridiculous pranks; vulgar tricks and postures.
Dryden has placed the accent improperly on the first syllable.

Definition 2024


buffoonery

buffoonery

English

Noun

buffoonery (plural buffooneries)

  1. foolishness, silliness; the behaviour expected of a buffoon.
    • 1693: William Congreve, The Old Bachelor
      Araminta, come, I'll talk seriously to you now; could you but see with my eyes the buffoonery of one scene of address, a lover, set out with all his equipage and appurtenances; ...
    • 1814: Jane Austen, Mansfield Park
      One could not expect anybody to take such a part. Nothing but buffoonery from beginning to end.
    • before 1891: P.T. Barnum, quoted in The Life of Phineas T. Barnum
      The Temperance Reform was too serious a matter for trifling jokes and buffooneries.

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