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burlesque definition

bur·lesque (bər lesk′)

noun

  1. any broadly comic or satirical imitation, as of a writing, play, etc.; derisive caricature; parody
  2. ☆ a sort of vaudeville characterized by low comedy, striptease acts, etc.

Etymology: Fr < It burlesco < burla, a jest, mockery

adjective

  1. derisively or comically imitating
  2. ☆ of or connected with burlesque (vaudeville)

transitive verb, intransitive verb burlesqued -·lesqued′, burlesquing -·lesqu′·ing

to imitate derisively or comically; parody

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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