Pierrot a stock male character in French pantomime, usually played as a sentimental lovesick youth with a sad white-painted face, a loose white costume with a neck ruff, and a pointed hat. The character derives from Pedrolino of the Italian Commedia dell'Arte; originally a robust but simple-minded servant, the victim of pranks practised by his fellow comedians, he was gradually transformed by his interpretation in the French theatre.

pierrot French pantomime character; clown with whitened face in fancy costume. XVIII. — F., appellative use of pet-form of Pierre Peter.