Dictionary entry

Scaramouch

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Scar″a‐mouch′ (?), n. [F. scaramouche, It. scaramuccio, scaramuccia, originally the name of a celebrated Italian comedian; cf. It. scaramuccia, scaramuccio, F. escarmouche, skirmish. Cf. Skirmish.] A personage in the old Italian comedy (derived from Spain) characterized by great boastfulness and poltroonery; hence, a person of like characteristics; a buffoon.