Caricature, n.
Etymology: [It. caricatura, fr. caricare to charge, overload, exaggerate. See Charge, v. t.]
1. An exaggeration, or distortion by exaggeration, of parts or characteristics, as in a picture.
2. A picture or other figure or description in which the peculiarities of a person or thing are so exaggerated as to appear ridiculous; a burlesque; a parody. [Formerly written caricatura.] The truest likeness of the prince of French literature will be the one that has most of the look of a caricature. I. Taylor. A grotesque caricature of virtue. Macaulay.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Caricature, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Caricatured; p. pr. & vb. n. Caricaturing.]
To make or draw a caricature of; to represent with ridiculous exaggeration; to burlesque. He could draw an ill face, or caricature a good one, with a masterly hand. Lord Lyttelton.
Shades of meaning
A caricature is a grotesque exaggeration of striking features or peculiarities, generally of a person; a burlesque treats any subject in an absurd or incongruous manner. A burlesque is written or acted; a caricature is more commonly in sketch or picture. A parody changes the subject, but keeps the style; a travesty keeps the subject, but changes the style; a burlesque does not hold itself to either subject or style; but is content with a general resemblance to what it may imitate. A caricature, parody, or travesty must have an original; a burlesque may be an independent composition. An account of a schoolboys' quarrel after the general manner of Homer's Iliad would be a burlesque; the real story of the Iliad told in newspaper style would be a travesty. An extravaganza is a fantastic composition, musical, dramatic, or narrative. Imitation is serious; mimicry is either intentionally or unintentionally comical.