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Scaramuccia(literally "little skirmisher"), also known asScaramoucheorScaramouch, is astockclown character of theItaliancommedia dell'arte. The role combined characteristics of thezanni(servant) and theCapitano(masked henchman). Usually attired in black Spanish dress andburlesquingadon, he was often beaten byHarlequinfor his boasting and cowardice.
Scaramouche entertains the audience by his "grimaces and affected language". Salvator Rosa says that Coviello (like Scaramouche) is "sly, adroit, supple, and conceited". In Molière'sThe Bourgeois Gentleman, Coviello disguises his master as a Turk and pretends to speak Turkish. Both Scaramouche and Coviello can be clever or stupid—as the actor sees fit to portray him.