E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Light Comedian (A),
in theatrical parlance, is one who performs in what is called legitimate comedy, but is very different to the “low comedian,” who is a farceur. Orlando, in As You Like It, might be taken by a “light comedian,” but not by a “low comedian.” Tony Lumpkin and Paul Pry are parts for a “low comedian,” but not for a “light comedian.”
