scaramouch

/ˈskɛrəˌmaʊtʃ/
noun
  1. A boastful but cowardly character in old Italian comedy, often depicted as a braggart who gets into trouble.
    • My grandfather used to call anyone who talked big but acted small a real scaramouch.
    • The children laughed as the actor playing Scaramouch tripped over his own sword.
    • In the play, Scaramouch strutted across the stage, bragging about his bravery before running from a mouse.
  2. A person who behaves like a boastful coward; a braggart.
    • He called his rival a scaramouch after the rival boasted loudly but then fled the debate.
    • Don't be such a scaramouch — you promised you would help, but now you're making excuses.
    • The politician was a scaramouch, full of promises but quick to back down.
Antonyms
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