fool

fool

fool¹ [fo͞ol]

n.

[ME fol < OFr (Fr fou) < LL follis < L, windbag, bellows: see FOLLICLE]

1.

a) a person with little or no judgment, common sense, wisdom, etc.; silly or stupid person; simpleton

b) Obs. a mentally retarded person

2. a man formerly kept in the household of a nobleman or king to entertain by joking and clowning; professional jester

3. a victim of a joke or trick; dupe

4. a person especially devoted to or skilled in some activity [a dancing fool]

adj.

Informal foolish

vi.

1. to act like a fool; be silly

2. to speak, act, etc. in jest; joke

3. Informal to trifle or meddle ( with)

vt.

to make a fool of; trick; deceive; dupe

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be no fool or be nobody's fool

to be shrewd and capable

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☆ fool around Informal

1. to spend time in trifling or pointless activity

2. to trifle or meddle

3. to engage in casual sexual activity

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fool away

Informal to fritter away foolishly

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play the fool

to act like a fool; do silly things; clown

fool² [fo͞ol]

n.

[Early ModE < ? FOOL¹]

Brit. crushed stewed fruit mixed with cream, esp. whipped cream