Arnold, Benedict

Cultural  

1. An American general of the Revolutionary War. He performed notably in the early days of the war but became bitter over several setbacks to his career. After receiving command of the American fort at West Point, New York, Arnold plotted to betray it to the British. The plan was revealed when the American forces captured Major John André of the British army, who was carrying messages between Arnold and the British. Arnold escaped to England and continued a military career, but he was widely scorned by the English.

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Calling someone a “Benedict Arnold” is to label the person a traitor.

Example Sentences

Arnold, Benedict, 103, 107, 112, 114; expedition to Canada of, 125, 128, 130; naval battle of, 134; retreat of, 136.

From Vermont A Study of Independence by Robinson, Rowland E. (Evans)

Johnson, Andrew, as he used to be, as he is: see Arnold, Benedict.

From The Complete Poetical Works of James Russell Lowell by Lowell, James Russell

Arnold, Benedict, repulsed at Quebec, 72; surrenders West Point, 110; in Virginia, 122, 123; 77.

From George Washington by Thayer, William Roscoe