GROTESQUES

Noun

grotesques

plural of grotesque

Source: Wiktionary

GROTESQUE

Gro*tesque", a. Etym: [F., fr. It. grottesco, fr. grotta grotto. See Grotto.]

Definition: Like the figures found in ancient grottoes; grottolike; wildly or strangely formed; whimsical; extravagant; of irregular forms and proportions; fantastic; ludicrous; antic. "Grotesque design." Dryden. "Grotesque incidents." Macaulay.

Gro*tesque, n.

1. A whimsical figure, or scene, such as is found in old crypts and grottoes. Dryden.

2. Artificial grotto-work.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition