Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Harlequinade \Har"le*quin*ade`\, n. [F. arleguinade.]
   A play or part of play in which the harlequin is conspicuous;
   the part of a harlequin. --Macaulay.

Source : WordNet®

harlequinade
     n : acting like a clown or buffoon [syn: {buffoonery}, {clowning},
          {frivolity}, {prank}]