ape-bearer

English

Noun

ape-bearer (plural ape-bearers)

1. (dated) A person, usually a buffoon, who strolls or carries a monkey around for exhibition.
   • c. 1610–1611 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Winters Tale”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene iii], page 291, column 1:

     Vices I would say (Sir.) I know this man well, he hath bene since an Ape-bearer, […]