merry andrew etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: mery andrew, from Old French: mery baudouin
  • "Mery" means "merry" or "cheerful" in Old French and Middle English.
  • "Andrew" is a common personal name of French origin, derived from the Greek name "Andreas," meaning "manly" or "brave."

Meaning:

A merryandrew is a comical entertainer or buffoon, typically dressed in brightly colored and eccentric clothing.

Origin:

The term "merryandrew" first emerged in the 15th century to refer to jesters or clowns who performed at fairs and festivals. These entertainers were often known for their outlandish behavior, slapstick comedy, and satirical performances.

Over time, "merryandrew" became synonymous with any person who acted in a foolish or ridiculous manner. It could also refer to someone who was a "clown" in social or political situations.

In the 19th century, the term was used to describe entertainers who performed in traveling circuses and variety shows. These merryandrews often had their own unique routines and characters, and they played a significant role in the development of modern clowning.

merry andrew relate terms

  • Andrew

    Etymology and Origin Origin Greek Ancient Meaning manly brave vigorous Deriva

  • Charles

    Etymology From the Old German name Karl derived from the root karl meaning man o

  • merry

    Etymology Middle English mery from Old English myrige of unknown origin Meaning

  • bury

    Etymology The word bury derives from the Old English word byrgan which means to hid

  • frolic

    Etymology Middle English froliken from Old French froliquier froliker from Old Occit

  • revel

    Etymology The word revel comes from the Anglo French word revel which in turn comes

  • hilarity

    Etymology The word hilarity comes from the Latin word hilaris meaning cheerful or

  • gallant

    Etymology Old French galant Late Latin galans Gaulish gallo meaning cock or roos

  • jolly

    Etymology The word jolly comes from the Middle English word joly which in turn comes

  • hickory

    Etymology The word hickory is derived from the Powhatan Algonquian word pohikory wh

  • Abigail

    Etymology The name Abigail is derived from the Hebrew name Avigayil אבגיל Mea

  • risk

    Etymology and Origin The word risk originates from the Old Italian word risco which

  • zeal

    Etymology Origin The word zeal originates from the Greek word zēlos ζῆλος

  • family

    Etymology The word family comes from the Old French word famille which in turn deriv