ape-bearer

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English[edit]

Noun[edit]

ape-bearer (plural ape-bearers)

  1. (dated) A person, usually a buffoon, who strolls or carries a monkey around for exhibition.
    • c. 1610–1611 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Winters Tale”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies [] (First Folio), London: [] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene iii], page 291, column 1:
      Vices I would say (Sir.) I know this man well, he hath bene since an Ape-bearer, []