clownage

"clownage" to the crude horseplay intended to amuse the crowd.

Outlines of English and American Literature : an Introduction to the Chief Writers of England and America, to the Books They Wrote, and to the Times in Which They Lived William Joseph Long 1909

"clownage" he promises a play of human interest revolving around a man whose sole ambition is for world power, -- such ambition as stirred the

Outlines of English and American Literature : an Introduction to the Chief Writers of England and America, to the Books They Wrote, and to the Times in Which They Lived William Joseph Long 1909

And such conceits as clownage keeps in pay, to 'stately' themes which beget 'high astounding terms'?

Shakespearean Tragedy Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth 1893

Let a word be changed or repeated, it brings in either case its contribution of emphasis, and must be carefully chosen for the part it is to play, lest it should upset the business of the piece by irrelevant clownage in the midst of high matter, saying more or less than is set down for it in the author's purpose.

Style Walter Alexander Raleigh 1891

The problem with newspapers is that they hire generic J-school clownage who have never met an adult, so they probably see themselves as the pinnacle of intellectual ability.

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During a class on clownage, one of the exercises was reading a well known kids story (such as red riding hood) out loud, but with all the different vowels replaced by just one.

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And such conceits as clownage keeps in pay.] [Note 138: 'Companion' was often used contemptuously.

The New Hudson Shakespeare: Julius Cæsar William Shakespeare 1590