caitiff

American  

[key-tif] / ˈkeɪ tɪf /

noun

1. a base, despicable person.

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adjective

1. base; despicable.

caitiff British  

/ ˈkeɪtɪf /

noun

1. a cowardly or base person

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adjective

1. cowardly; base

Etymology

Origin of caitiff

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

Example Sentences

If a celebrated classroom caitiff like Peck's Bad Boy or Huckleberry Finn were to cut his swath through a U. S. school today, he would probably get off with a restrained scolding.

From Time Magazine Archive

Master Grasp," he said, "I have more than once given this caitiff host notice to quit, and he hath still hung on and craved to remain my tenant.

From William Shakespeare as he lived. An Historical Tale by Curling, Henry

I will incontinently visit this dangerous caitiff," he said, "and if I find matters as bad as you say, I will take means to secure him and prevent mischief.

From William Shakespeare as he lived. An Historical Tale by Curling, Henry

You are an arrant rogue, a caitiff vile; there can be naught between us.

From The Mesa Trail by Bedford-Jones, H.

“Our friendship has ceased for ever,” muttered the burly caitiff betwixt his closed teeth as he descended the ladder—“for through your means the king hath become wroth with his servant.”

From The Highlands of Ethiopia by Harris, William Cornwallis