Scaramouch

American  

[skar-uh-mouch, -moosh] / ˈskær əˌmaʊtʃ, -ˌmuʃ /

Or Scaramouche

noun

1. a stock character in commedia dell'arte and farce who is a cowardly braggart, easily beaten and frightened.

2. (lowercase) a rascal or scamp.

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Scaramouch British  

/ -ˌmuːtʃ, ˈskærəˌmaʊtʃ /

noun

1. a stock character who appears as a boastful coward in commedia dell'arte and farce

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Etymology

Origin of Scaramouch

First recorded in 1662; from French Scaramouche, from Italian Scaramuccia, proper noun use of scaramuccia “skirmish” (applied in jest); see origin at skirmish ( def. )

Example Sentences

A gaudy Harlequin and his brother Scaramouch invite the attention of the passers-by.

From A History of the Four Georges, Volume I by McCarthy, Justin

Well, say no more, honest Scaramouch; thou shalt find a Friend at need of me—and if I do not fit you with a Spouse, say that a Woman has out-witted me.

From The Works of Aphra Behn, Volume III by Summers, Montague

Scaramouch a Philosopher, Harlequin a schoolboy, Bravo Merchant and Magician; a Comedy, after the Italian manner, acted at the theatre-royal 1677.

From The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume III by Cibber, Theophilus

Gherardi, in his treatise, "The�tre Italien," speaks of a Scaramouch, who, waiting for his master, Harlequin, seats and plays on the guitar.

From A History of Pantomime by Broadbent, R. J.

Scaramouch professes that the noise was made by putting up this piece of Tapestry, 'the best in Italy for the Rareness of the Figures, sir.'

From The Spectator, Volume 1 Eighteenth-Century Periodical Essays by Addison, Joseph