buffoune

Updated: August 14, 2026

The general domestic fool, termed often, but improperly, a Clown; described by Puttenham as "a buffoune, or counterfett foole." The Clown, who was a mere country booby, or a witty rustic. The female fool, who was generally an idiot. The city or corporation fool, an assistant in public entertainments. The tavern fool, retained to amuse the customers.

R. J. Broadbent - A History of Pantomime