ETYM French bouffon (cf. Italian buffone, buffo, buffa, puff of wind, vanity, nonsense, trick), from bouffer to puff out, because the buffoons puffed out their cheeks for the amusement of the spectators. Related to Buffet a blow.
A man who makes a practice of amusing others by low tricks, antic gestures, etc.; a droll; a mimic; a clown.