Brewer's: Costard

A clown in Love's Labour's Lost (Shakespeare), who apes the court wit of Queen Elizabeth's time, but misapplies and miscalls like Mrs. Malaprop or Master Dogberry.

Costard

A large apple, and, metaphorically, a man's head. (See Costermonger.)

“Take him over the costard with the hilts of thy sword.” —Shakespeare: Richard III., i. 4.

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