rare. [f. the sb.]
1. intr. To perform as a (stage-)clown. To clown it: (a) to play the clown on the stage; (b) to affect the rustic (quot. 1599).
1599. Jonson, Ev. Man out of Hum., V. ii. Sav. What, and shall we see him clown it?… Beshrew me, he clowns it properly indeed. Fast. But does he not affect the clown most naturally, mistress?
1600. Rowlands [see CLOWN sb. 3].
1707. E. Ward, Hudibras Rediv. (1715), I. xvii. As Andrew clowns it to the Doctor.
1861. Mayhew, Lond. Labour, III. 90. I had to clown to the rope.
† 2. trans. ? To treat as a country clown, i.e., rudely or roughly. Obs.
1579. J. Jones, Preserv. Bodie & Soule, I. xxvi. 50. Without … dandling or dulling, cockering or clowning.
