Zany (?), n.; pl. Zanies (#). [It. zanni a buffoon, merry-andrew, orig. same as Giovanni John, i. e., merry John, L. Ioannes, Gr. &unr_;, Heb. Yōkhānān, prop., the Lord graciously gave: cf. F. zani, fr. the Italian. Cf. Jenneting.] A merry-andrew; a buffoon.[1913 Webster]
Then write that I may follow, and so beThy echo, thy debtor, thy foil, thy zany.
Preacher at once, and zany of thy age.
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Zany (?), v. t. To mimic. [Obs.][1913 Webster]
Your part is acted; give me leave at distanceTo zany it.