FARCE, a dramatic piece of a low comic character.- The difference between it and comedy proper is one of degree, and not of kind. The aim of both is to excite mirth; but while the former does so by a comparatively faithful adherence to nature and truth, the latter assumes to itself a much greater license, and does not scruple to make use of any extravagance or improbability that may serve its purpose. It does not, therefore, exhibit, in general, a refined wit or humor, but contents itself with grotesque rencon tres, and dialogues provocative of fun and jollity. The name is differently explained. In any case, it comes originally from the Latin farcire, to stuff; but while Addling says that, in the middle ages, farce signified in Germany certain songs, which were sung between the prayers during divine service, others derive it from the Italian farsa, this from the Latin farsum, (stuffed); while Paolo Bernardi states that it comes from a Pro vencal word farsum, meaning a ragout, or mess of different ingredients, an opinion which has this to say for itself, that the dramatis persona, Jack-pudding, etc., were gen
erally named after special dishes or mixtures. The first farces are said to have been composed by the society of the Clercs de Razoche in Paris, about the year 1400, as a con trast to the ecclesiastical plays performed by the religious orders. The most widely celebrated and the oldest is the Farce de Maitre Pierre Pathelin, which some consider to be a composition of the 13th c., but which was more probably executed by one Peter Blanchet, about 1480. Subsequently, Moliere elevated and refined the farce into pure comedy, in his Medecin _Mire Malade Imaginaire, Les Fourberies de Scapin, and other inimitable productions. In England, the origin of the modern F. dates from about the commencement of the 18th century. It then began to be regarded as something distinct from comedy proper, and to constitute a special theatrical entertainment. Of all the numerous farces which have been performed before English audiences, only those of Samuel Foote have kept a place in literature.