clowning

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)Clownish behavior.

   “The press took seriously all Shaw's provocative ambiguities and clownings, and Lady Astor was identified with his most outrageous actions and statements.”

2. (countable, uncountable)The practice and study thereof.

   “But it’s also a sign of the ascendant state of clowning, which, not long ago, resided in the bargain basement of artistic respect, alongside ventriloquists, mimes and jugglers. No longer.”

verb

1. (form-of, gerund, participle, present)present participle and gerund of clown