Pantalone is an Italian term used to describe a type of character in Commedia Dell'Arte, a form of theatrical entertainment dating back to the 16th century. The character of Pantalone is typically portrayed as an elderly merchant, miserly and often comically lustful. Synonyms for Pantalone include "miser," "skinflint," "hoarder," "money-grubber," "penny-pincher," "cheapskate," and "tightwad." These terms all share the element of greed and parsimony associated with the character of Pantalone. In modern usage, the term Pantalone is sometimes used to describe a person who is seen as miserly or obsessed with money.