Com"e*dy (?), n.;
pl. Comedies (#). [F. comédie, L. comoedia, fr. Gr. &?;; &?; a
jovial festivity with music and dancing, a festal procession, an ode sung at this procession (perh. akin to &?; village, E. home) + &?; to sing; for comedy was originally of a lyric character. See Home, and Ode.]
A dramatic composition,
or representation of a bright and amusing character, based upon the foibles of individuals, the manners of society, or the ludicrous events or accidents
of life; a play in which
mirth predominates and the termination of the plot is happy; -- opposed to tragedy.
With all the vivacity of comedy.
Macaulay.
Are
come to play a pleasant comedy.
Shak.
Hear it pronounced