Scaramouch

Scaramouch (Ital. scaramuccia, 'skirmish'), a character in the old Italian comedy, originally derived from Spain, representing a military poltroon and braggadocio. He was dressed in a sort of Hispano-Neapolitan costume, including a black toque and mantle, and a mask open on the forehead, cheeks, and chin, and always received an inglorious drubbing at the hands of harlequin.