harlequinade

 
Pronunciation: /ˌhɑːlɪkwɪˈneɪd/

noun

  • 1 historical the section of a traditional pantomime in which Harlequin played a leading role.
  • 2 dated a piece of foolish or ridiculous behaviour.

Origin:

late 18th century: from French arlequinade, from (h)arlequin (see harlequin)