caitiff
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˈkeɪtɪf/
- Offensive
- In the one, she is expansive in describing the angelic attributes that seem to belong to Angelo versus the treacherous caitiff or villain that in fact he is: "'T is not impossible.
Examples
-
"Now, caitiff," he cried, "acknowledge yourself defeated."
Fiction book (2001) -
Shame on the cowardly caitiff hands.
Academic text (1991) -
From clan leader to caitiff.
Fiction book (2002) -
If a man did need a poison, here lives a caitiff wretch who would sell it to him.
-
Here lies a wretched corse, of a wretched soul bereft: Seek not my name: a plague consume you wicked caitiffs left!
Blog text (7) -
Although he clearly acknowledged the fraternal relationship between the Song and Liao emperors, Ye did not feel that his wording would offend the imperial family by calling its Khitan relatives "caitiffs."
Academic text (2018) -
The townspeople referred to him as a caitiff for betraying his friends.
-
No one respected the caitiff who ran away instead of facing the challenge.
-
Her actions revealed her to be a true caitiff, lacking any bravery in dangerous situations.
Synonyms
9
9.9
A rude word for a person who is cowardly or mean
1
9.9
A dishonest person who cheats or lies to others
A very insulting name for someone who seems extremely scared
Antonyms
How Despicable
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word caitiff comes from an old French word caitif and from Latin captivus, which meant 'captive' or 'prisoner', and is like the English word captive. So a caitiff was seen as low and miserable like a prisoner, and today it means a cowardly, despicable person.