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
• blackguardly
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of blackguard

1525–35; black + guard; original sense obscure

Explanation

In movies, TV shows, and other forms of entertainment, there are often good guys and bad guys. A blackguard is a bad guy. Blackguards are up to no good. Originally, a blackguard was a type of servant dressed in black, but the meaning evolved to mean a person who is villainous at heart. This is definitely an old-fashioned word you're most likely to see in an older story or play. A blackguard likely won't be guarding anything, but they probably will be doing something evil.

Example Sentences

Notably, the trailer also features "Saturday Night Live" star Pete Davidson suiting up as Blackguard and the voice of Sylvester Stallone as King Shark, a monstrous human-shark hybrid.

From Fox News • Mar. 26, 2021

Blackguard as he was, he carried her in his heart right up to his death.

From The Swindler and Other Stories by Dell, Ethel M. (Ethel May)

"I would rather prosecute that Blackguard Rimon-a-hattha," said a man, whose head was awfully swollen, and bound up with a handkerchief, "Rimon, Captain, is the greatest rascal of the two—he is, by, Japurs."

From Valentine M'Clutchy, The Irish Agent The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two by Carleton, William

The "Blackguard" sneered, and "Rabbit's Paw," when the madman ceased, took up the burden of abuse.

From Six Women and the Invasion by Yerta, Gabrielle

And as with spear and hunters' frock They bore him to the tomb, The Blackguard Bell i' the old town clock Began untouched to boom.

From Gaudeamus! Humorous Poems by Scheffel, Joseph Victor von