Scaramouche

'little skirmisher') is a stock clown character of the 16th-century commedia dell'arte (comic theatrical arts of Italian literature).

The role combined characteristics of the Zanni (servant) and il Capitano (masked henchman), with some assortment of villainous traits.

Usually attired in black Spanish dress and burlesquing a don, he was often beaten by Harlequin for his boasting and cowardice.

In Molière's The Bourgeois Gentleman, Coviello disguises his master as a Turk and pretends to speak Turkish.

Scaramouche is one of the great characters in the Punch and Judy puppet shows with roots in commedia dell'arte.