Emily Dickinson Lexicon

COM'E-DY, n. [L. comœdia; Gr. κωμωδια. Qu. from κωμη, a village and ῳδη, or rather αειδω, to sing, and denoting that the comedian was a strolling singer; or whether the first syllable is from κωμος, a merry feast, whence comic, comical, the latter indicating that the comedian was characterized by buffoonery. The latter coincides in elements with the English game.]

A dramatic composition intended to represent human characters, which are to be imitated in language, dress and manner, by actors on a stage, for the amusement of spectators. The object of comedy is said to be, to recommend virtue, and make vice ridiculous; but the real effect is amusement.