Definitions

1. noun

A person, especially a man, who is unassuming in appearance, often used to describe a person who is intelligent and perceptive but appears to be foolish or inept.

“He was a master of disguise and played the part of a bumbling fool, just like his character Columbo, to distract from his true intentions.”

2. proper noun

A fictional character, a detective in the American television series ‘Columbo’, played by Peter Falk.

“The detective, Columbo, was known for his signature raincoat and disheveled appearance.”