Also arch-. [ad. L. archimīmus, a. Gr. ἀρχίμῑμος: see ARCHI- and MIME.] A chief buffoon, or jester; the chief mimic, who in Roman funeral processions imitated the gait and gestures of the deceased.
1658. Sir T. Browne, Hydriot., iv. 59. The Archimime or Jester attending the Funerall train.
1751. Chambers, Cycl. Archimimes … imitated the manners, gestures, and speech, both of persons living, and those who were dead.
1824. D’Israeli, Cur. Lit. (1866), 434/1. The arch-mime who followed the body of the Emperor Vespasian at his funeral.
