villainy
[vil-uh-nee]
- the actions or conduct of a villain; outrageous wickedness.
- a villainous act or deed.
- Obsolete. villeinage.
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Origin of villainy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for villainy
Contemporary Examples
Satisfaction does not insist on setting up clear categories of heroism and villainy, good, and evil.
Is ‘Satisfaction’ a Love Story That’s Too Real About Sex and Marriage?David Masciotra
September 19, 2014
Its portrayal of Soviet villainy was deemed too much for domestic consumption.
How much more diverting to focus on the villainy of a potty-mouthed Illinois pol.
Historical Examples
They are presented as good and evil, as vice and virtue, as villainy and heroism.
A Treatise on Parents and ChildrenGeorge Bernard Shaw
An A1 piece of villainy was on, and they were conversing in low tones.
ThoroughbredsW. A. Fraser
Think of the cheek and villainy of that, and then speak to me of talking wildly!'
A Woman IntervenesRobert Barr
Did man ever hear of such a villainy—to fire a good ship in her misfortune?
The House Under the SeaSir Max Pemberton
Gubblum understood no more than that villainy had been at work.
A Son of HagarSir Hall Caine
villainy
- conduct befitting a villain; vicious behaviour or action
- an evil, abhorrent, or criminal act or deed
- the fact or condition of being villainous
- English history a rare word for villeinage
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for villainy
n.
early 13c., from Old French vilanie, from villain; see villain.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper