rakehell

[ reyk-hel ]

noun

1. a licentious or dissolute man; rake.

adjective

1. Also rake·hell·y [] dissolute; profligate.

rakehell

/ ˈreɪkˌhɛl /

noun

1. a dissolute man; rake

adjective

1. profligate; dissolute

Word History and Origins

Origin of rakehell¹

1540–50; alteration by folk etymology ( rake ¹, hell ) of Middle English rakel (adj.) rash, rough, coarse, hasty (akin to rake ⁴ ); compare Old Norse reikall wandering, unsettled

Word History and Origins

Origin of rakehell¹

C16: from rake ¹+ hell ; but compare Middle English rakel rash