Brewer's: Scaramouch

A braggart and fool, very valiant in words, but a poltroon. According to Dyche, the Italian posturemaster, Tiberio Fiurelli, was surnamed Scaramouch Fiurelli. He came to England in 1673, and astonished John Bull with feats of agility.

Stout Scaramoucha with rush-lance rode in, And ran a tilt with centaure Arlequin.

Dryden: The Silent Woman (Epilogue).

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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