archimime
(ˈɑːkɪˌmaɪm)
Also arch-.
[ad. L. archimīmus, a. Gr. ἀρχίµῑµος: see archi- and mime.]
A chief buffoon, or jester; the chief mimic, who in Roman funeral processions imitated the gait and gestures of the deceased.
| 1658 Sir T. Browne Hydriot. iv. 59 The Archimime or Jester attending the Funerall train. 1751 Chambers Cycl., Archimimes..imitated the manners, gestures, and speech, both of persons living, and those who were dead. 1824 D'Israeli Cur. Lit. (1866) 434/1 The arch-mime who followed the body of the Emperor Vespasian at his funeral. |