blackguard

American  

[blag-ahrd, -erd, blak-gahrd] / ˈblæg ɑrd, -ərd, ˈblækˌgɑrd /

noun

1. a low, contemptible person; scoundrel.

   Synonyms:

   villain, devil, rogue, rapscallion, rascal, scamp

2. Obsolete.

   1. a group of menial workers in the kitchen of a large household.

   2. the servants of an army.

   3. camp followers.

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verb (used with object)

1. to revile in scurrilous language.

   Synonyms:

   vilify, berate

blackguard British  

/ ˈblæɡɑːd, -ɡəd /

noun

1. 1. an unprincipled contemptible person; scoundrel

   2. ( as modifier )

      blackguard language

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verb

1. (tr) to ridicule or denounce with abusive language

2. (intr) to behave like a blackguard

Other Word Forms

• blackguardism noun
• blackguardly adverb

Etymology

Origin of blackguard

1525–35; black + guard; original sense obscure

Example Sentences

We have both known the blackguard for decades.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 7, 2023

Edgar finds work in the hamlet of Dreng’s Ferry with Dreng himself, an all-around blackguard, but eventually Edgar’s intelligence and capability propel him into the building trade.

From Washington Post • Nov. 16, 2020

Parliament's website lists examples of words that might be considered offensive, including "stoolpigeon", "blackguard", "coward", "git", "guttersnipe", "hooligan" and "rat".

From BBC • Sep. 26, 2019

With the help of Jake, and a convenient space ship, Reggie lands in 1621 in the Plymouth Colony, where the governor is a fat oaf and Myles Standish a blackguard with guillotine cheekbones.

From Time • Oct. 31, 2013

That blackguard, Caddy The river glinted away beyond a swooping curve.

From "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner