Bit of clowning (5)
I believe the answer is:
antic
'bit of clowning' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for antic that I've seen before include "Prank" , "Absurd act" , "Ludicrous act done for fun" , "Caper; grotesque (arch.)" , "Tomfoolery" .)