Scaramouch

or Scar·a·mouche

[ skar-uh-mouch, -moosh ]

/ ˈskær əˌmaʊtʃ, -ˌmuʃ /

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noun

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

(lowercase) a rascal or scamp.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Scaramouch in a sentence

Harlequin and Scaramouche start back, fall over their Chairs, and get up.
The Life and Death of Doctor Faustus Made into a Farce|William Mountfort
The others made chorus, whilst Scaramouche smiled at him, and patted his shoulder.
Scaramouche|Rafael Sabatini
Scaramouche's success in the first act was more than confirmed as the performance proceeded.
Scaramouche|Rafael Sabatini
As Climene now rose to withdraw for the night, Scaramouche rose with her to light her candle.
Scaramouche|Rafael Sabatini

As for the rest of the company, they were disposed to be very kindly towards Scaramouche.
Scaramouche|Rafael Sabatini

British Dictionary definitions for Scaramouch

Scaramouch

Scaramouche

/ (ˈskærəˌmaʊtʃ, -ˌmuːtʃ) /

noun

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

Word Origin for Scaramouch

C17: via French from Italian Scaramuccia, from scaramuccia a skirmish

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012