fooling

leikin (present participle of)
The act of one who fools.
Janet Schaw, Journal of a Lady of Quality

I laugh at him and use every little Art in my power to make him view things in a more cheerful light, but he knows better than I do, and tho' his good nature and politeness make him appear to be diverted with my foolings, I am sensible they do not amuse his melancholy.