The AI-powered English dictionary
plural caitiffs
A base or despicable person; a wretch. quotations examples
‘There are plenty of Huns who have defected to the Romans, seeking gold and a quiet life. One of my first tasks as paramount chief is to bring those caitiffs back and crucify them.’
1989, Anthony Burgess, The Devil's Mode
(obsolete) A captive or prisoner, particularly a galley slave.
(archaic) A villain, a coward or wretch.
comparative more caitiff, superlative most caitiff
Especially despicable; cowardly quotations examples
Beshrew those caitiff scouts that conspired to sully his honest name by such an imputation!
1809, Washington Irving, Knickerbocker's History of New York
Commingled are they with that caitiff choirOf Angels, who have not rebellious been,Nor faithful were to God, but were for self.
1867, Dante Alighieri, translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Divine Comedy
Is Honor gone into his grave?Hath Faith become a caitiff knaveAnd Selfhood turned into a slave To work in Mammon’s cave, Fair Lady?
1875, Sidney Lanier, The Symphony