caitiff

[ key-tif ]

noun

1. a base, despicable person.

adjective

1. base; despicable.

caitiff

/ ˈkeɪtɪf /

noun

1. a cowardly or base person

adjective

1. cowardly; base

Word History and Origins

Origin of caitiff¹

1250–1300; Middle English caitif < Anglo-French < Latin captīvus captive

Word History and Origins

Origin of caitiff¹

C13: from Old French caitif prisoner, from Latin captīvus captive

Example Sentences

"Then I wash my hands of it all," cried the little self-deceiving caitiff; and he affected to have nothing to do with it.

From Project Gutenberg

"The misproud and amphibious caitiff puts the monk upon me," said Richard to the Earl of Salisbury.

From Project Gutenberg

The tyrant came to him, and with the poor caitiff's own whinger first struck him in the breast, and afterwards cast it at him.

From Project Gutenberg

Alas that ever such a caitiff-knight as I am should have power by unhappiness to hurt the most noblest knight of the world.

From Project Gutenberg

The caitiff yields quickest; the man who loves danger and adventure holds out longest.

From Project Gutenberg