Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Zany
Za′ny (zā′ny̆), n.; pl. Zanies (#). [It. zanni a buffoon, merry-andrew, orig. same as Giovanni John, i. e., merry John, L. Ioannes, Gr. Ἰωάννης, Heb. Yōkhānān, prop., the Lord graciously gave: cf. F. zani, fr. the Italian. Cf. Jenneting.] A merry-andrew; a buffoon.
Then write that I may follow, and so be Thy echo, thy debtor, thy foil, thy zany. Donne.
Preacher at once, and zany of thy age. Pope.
Za′ny (zā′ny̆), v. t. To mimic. [Obs.]
Your part is acted; give me leave at distance To zany it. Massinger.