Za"ny (?), n.; pl. Zanies (#). [It. zanni a buffoon, merry-andrew, orig. same as Giovanni John, i. e., merry John, L. Ioannes, Gr. , Heb. Yokhanan, prop., the Lord graciously gave: cf. F. zani, fr. the Italian. Cf. Jenneting.]

A merry-andrew; a buffoon.

Then write that I may follow, and so be Thy echo, thy debtor, thy foil, thy zany. Donne.

Preacher at once, and zany of thy age. Pope.

 

© Webster 1913.


Za"ny (?), v. t.

To mimic.

[Obs.]

Your part is acted; give me leave at distance To zany it. Massinger.

 

© Webster 1913.