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Synonyms
bur·lesque (bər-lĕsḱ)

[From French, comical, from Italian burlesco, from burla, joke, probably from Spanish, from Vulgar Latin* burrula, diminutive of Late Latin burrae, nonsense, from burra, wool.]

noun 

  1. A literary or dramatic work that ridicules a subject either by presenting a solemn subject in an undignified style or an inconsequential subject in a dignified style. See synonyms at caricature
  2. A ludicrous or mocking imitation; a travesty: The antics of the defense attorneys turned the trial into a burlesque of justice.
  3. A variety show characterized by broad ribald comedy, dancing, and striptease.

verb: -lesqued, -lesqu·ing, -lesques. 

transitive verb 

To imitate mockingly or humorously: “always bringing junk . . . home, as if he were burlesquing his role as provider” (John Updike)

intransitive verb 

To use the methods or techniques of burlesque.

derivatives

bur·lesqué
adjective
bur·lesquély
adverb
bur·lesqúer
noun