Pierrot

views updated May 23 2018

Pierrot a stock male character in French pantomime, usually played as a sentimental lovesick youth with a sad white-painted face, a loose white costume with a neck ruff, and a pointed hat. The character derives from Pedrolino of the Italian Commedia dell'Arte; originally a robust but simple-minded servant, the victim of pranks practised by his fellow comedians, he was gradually transformed by his interpretation in the French theatre.

pierrot

views updated Jun 27 2018

pierrot French pantomime character; clown with whitened face in fancy costume. XVIII. — F., appellative use of pet-form of Pierre Peter.

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