canaille

[ kuh-neyl; French ka-nah-yuh ]

noun

1. riffraff; rabble.

canaille

/ kanɑj /

noun

1. the masses; mob; rabble

Word History and Origins

Origin of canaille¹

1670–80; < French < Italian canaglia pack of dogs, equivalent to can ( e ) dog (< Latin canis ) + -aglia collective suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of canaille¹

C17: from French, from Italian canaglia pack of dogs

Example Sentences

Hamburg writhed impotent at his feet and the "heavy arm of justice fell on the canaille."

From Project Gutenberg

They called her sinner, which she was; and she called them canaille, which they probably were.

From Project Gutenberg

Why must the canaille make so hideous a noise when it amuses itself?

From Project Gutenberg

Were she Duchess she would teach the canaille what was fitting for it!

From Project Gutenberg

I suppose this is the case where the blood of a gentleman boils indignantly at the challenge of the canaille.

From Project Gutenberg