2. A barb, or barbs, of a fine large feather, as of a peacock or ostrich, — used in dressing artificial flies. [Written also herl.]
HARLE
Harle, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: The red-breasted merganser.
HARLECH GROUP
Har"lech group`. Etym: [ So called from Harlech in Wales.] (Geol.)
Defn: A minor subdivision at the base of the Cambrian system in
Wales.
HARLEQUIN Har"le*quin, n. Etym: [F. arlequin,formerly written also harlequin (cf. It, arlecchino), prob. fr. OF. hierlekin, hellequin, goblin, elf, which is prob. of German or Dutch origin; cf. D. hel hell. Cf. Hell, Kin.]
Defn: A buffoon, dressed in party-colored clothes, who plays tricks, often without speaking, to divert the bystanders or an audience; a merry-andrew; originally, a droll rogue of Italian comedy. Percy Smith. As dumb harlequin is exhibited in our theaters. Johnson. Harlequin bat (Zoöl.), an Indian bat (Scotophilus ornatus), curiously variegated with white spots. — Harlequin beetle (Zoöl.), a very large South American beetle (Acrocinus longimanus) having very long legs and antennæ. The elytra are curiously marked with red, black, and gray. — Harlequin cabbage bug. (Zoöl.) See Calicoback. — Harlequin caterpillar. (Zoöl.), the larva of an American bombycid moth (Euchætes egle) which is covered with black, white, yellow, and orange tufts of hair. — Harlequin duck (Zoöl.), a North American duck (Histrionicus histrionicus). The male is dark ash, curiously streaked with white. — Harlequin moth. (Zoöl.) See Magpie Moth. — Harlequin opal. See Opal. — Harlequin snake (Zoöl.), a small, poisonous snake (Elaps fulvius), ringed with red and black, found in the Southern United States.
HARLEQUIN
Har"le*quin, n. i.
Defn: To play the droll; to make sport by playing ludicrous tricks.
HARLEQUIN
Har"le*quin, v. t.