burlesque

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

1. n. A literary or dramatic work that ridicules a subject either by presenting a solemn subject in an undignified style or an inconsequential subject in a dignified style. See Synonyms at caricature.
2. n. A ludicrous or mocking imitation; a travesty: The antics of the defense attorneys turned the trial into a burlesque of justice.
3. n. A variety show characterized by broad ribald comedy, dancing, and striptease.
4. v. To imitate mockingly or humorously: "always bringing junk . . . home, as if he were burlesquing his role as provider” ( John Updike).
5. v. To use the methods or techniques of burlesque.

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. Tending to excite laughter by a ludicrous contrast between the subject and the manner of treating it, as when a serious subject is treated ridiculously or a trifling one with solemnity.
2. n. A burlesque literary or dramatic composition; travesty; caricature.
3. n. A piece composed in burlesque style; a travesty; in modern use often specifically a theatrical piece, a kind of dramatic extravaganza, usually based upon a serious play or subject, with more or less music in it.
4. n. A ludicrous or debasing caricature of any kind; a gross perversion.
5. n. Synonyms Parody, Travesty, etc. See caricature.
6. To make ridiculous by mocking representation; caricature; travesty.
7. To use caricature.

Wiktionary

1. adj. parodical
2. n. A derisive art form that mocks by imitation; a parody
3. n. A variety adult entertainment show, usually including titillation such as striptease, most common from the 1880s to the 1930s.
4. v. To make a burlesque parody of

GNU Webster's 1913

1. adj. Tending to excite laughter or contempt by extravagant images, or by a contrast between the subject and the manner of treating it, as when a trifling subject is treated with mock gravity; jocular; ironical.
2. n. Ludicrous representation; exaggerated parody; grotesque satire.
3. n. An ironical or satirical composition intended to excite laughter, or to ridicule anything.
4. n. A ludicrous imitation; a caricature; a travesty; a gross perversion.
5. v. To ridicule, or to make ludicrous by grotesque representation in action or in language.
6. v. To employ burlesque.

WordNet 3.0

1. adj. relating to or characteristic of a burlesque
2. n. a theatrical entertainment of broad and earthy humor; consists of comic skits and short turns (and sometimes striptease)
3. v. make a parody of
4. n. a composition that imitates or misrepresents somebody's style, usually in a humorous way