caper

Meanings

Noun

• A playful leap or jump.
• A jump while dancing.
• A prank or practical joke.
• Playful behaviour.
• A crime, especially an elaborate heist, or a narrative about such a crime.
• A vessel formerly used by the Dutch; privateer.
• The pungent grayish green flower bud of the European and Oriental caper (Capparis spinosa), which is pickled and eaten.
• A plant of the genus Capparis.
• The capercaillie.

Verb

• To leap or jump about in a sprightly or playful manner.
• To jump as part of a dance.
• To engage in playful behaviour.

Origin

• From Dutch kaper.
• From Latin capparis, from Ancient Greek κάππαρις.
• Shortening of capercaillie.