\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.

      With all the vivacity of comedy.         --Macaulay.

      Are come to play a pleasant comedy.      --Shak.