1. (n.) A compound of gooseberries scalded and crushed, with cream; -- commonly called gooseberry fool.

2. (n.) One destitute of reason, or of the common powers of understanding; an idiot; a natural.

3. (n.) A person deficient in intellect; one who acts absurdly, or pursues a course contrary to the dictates of wisdom; one without judgment; a simpleton; a dolt.

4. (n.) One who acts contrary to moral and religious wisdom; a wicked person.

5. (n.) One who counterfeits folly; a professional jester or buffoon; a retainer formerly kept to make sport, dressed fantastically in motley, with ridiculous accouterments.

6. (v. i.) To play the fool; to trifle; to toy; to spend time in idle sport or mirth.

7. (v. t.) To infatuate; to make foolish.

8. (v. t.) To use as a fool; to deceive in a shameful or mortifying manner; to impose upon; to cheat by inspiring foolish confidence; as, to fool one out of his money.