from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Comedy \Com"e*dy\, n.; pl. {Comedies}. [F. com['e]die, L.
comoedia, fr. Gr. ?; ? a jovial festivity with music and
dancing, a festal procession, an ode sung at this procession
(perh. akin to ? village, E. home) + ? to sing; for comedy
was originally of a lyric character. See {Home}, and {Ode}.]
A dramatic composition, or representation of a bright and
amusing character, based upon the foibles of individuals, the
manners of society, or the ludicrous events or accidents of
life; a play in which mirth predominates and the termination
of the plot is happy; -- opposed to {tragedy}.
[1913 Webster]
With all the vivacity of comedy. --Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]
Are come to play a pleasant comedy. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]