scarlet letter

noun

1. a scarlet letter “A,” formerly worn by one convicted of adultery.

scarlet letter

noun

1. (esp among US Puritans) a scarlet letter A formerly worn by a person convicted of adultery

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarlet letter¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

And Broadwell likewise will “wear a scarlet letter on her chest,” Heldman predicted.

From The Daily Beast

So, we founded A is For, an organization that uses the scarlet letter A as an instantly recognizable symbol of defiance and unity.

From The Daily Beast

And then, of course, there was poor Hester Prynne—branded with a scarlet letter for mothering a child with another man.

From The Daily Beast

Beyond the physical burden, shackles double as a scarlet letter.

From The Daily Beast

Recalled actress Isabelle Adjani: “People wanted to brand her with a scarlet letter.”

From The Daily Beast

She brings out the power of conscience as forcibly as Hawthorne has done in his "Scarlet Letter."

From Project Gutenberg

"The Scarlet Letter" was written, and a marvellous success rewarded the author and his stout-hearted wife.

From Project Gutenberg

If once she had been wearer of the scarlet letter, the color thereof had faded these years back.

From Project Gutenberg

The grace and tenderness of the author of the 'Scarlet Letter' is discernable in its pages.

From Project Gutenberg

One day my teacher found me in a corner of the library poring over the pages of "The Scarlet Letter."

From Project Gutenberg