histrionn.

?1566 J. Alday tr. P. Boaistuau Excellencie Mankinde in Theatrum Mundi sig. Siv Histrians [Fr. histrions] that we have seene in our time flie on a rope in ye ayre.

1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie i. xiv. 26 Roscius..the best Histrien or buffon that was in his dayes to be found.

1603 J. Florio tr. M. de Montaigne Ess. ii. xxxvii. 436 Let her leave this care to Mimikes, to Histrions, and to Rhethoricke Maisters.

1684 tr. F. Hédelin d'Aubignac Whole Art of Stage iv. iv. 137 The Histrion, or Player introduc'd by Thespis is named Protagonist.

1791 Edwin's Jests 21 The histrion's pocket, was so indifferently provided, as to subject him to the necessity of gaining the gaol on foot.

1821 Ld. Byron Let. 11 Jan. (1978) VIII. 60 Impede..any Stage-playing with the tragedy.—I hope that the Histrions will see their own interest too well to attempt it.

1858 C. Merivale Hist. Romans under Empire VI. lii. 101 It was found necessary to expel the histrions, or pantomimic dancers.

1889 Evening News 6 Nov. 2/6 When it is the fashion for histrions to air themselves in print.

1914 J. C. Carr Coasting Bohemia 227 How far the youthful histrion believes himself to be a lion when he crawls across the drawing-room carpet on all fours, and roars from behind the sofa, is perhaps open to argument.

1997 N.Y. Mag. 22 Dec. 120/3 Need I add that neither the star nor his supporting histrions have the faintest historic sense?