wretch

[ rech ]

noun

1. a deplorably unfortunate or unhappy person.
2. a person of despicable or base character.

wretch

/ rɛtʃ /

noun

1. a despicable person
2. a person pitied for his misfortune

Word History and Origins

Origin of wretch¹

before 900; Middle English wrecche, Old English wrecca exile, adventurer; cognate with German Recke warrior, hero, Old Norse rekkr man

Word History and Origins

Origin of wretch¹

Old English wrecca; related to Old Saxon wrekkeo, Old High German reccheo (German Recke warrior), Old Norse rek ( n ) ingr

Example Sentences

So you are the one who is at the bottom of this, you wretch you!

From The Daily Beast

The haggard wretch was equally incapacitated, only her condition was mental.

From The Daily Beast

An utterly undeserving wretch defeated a neophyte vulgarian.

From The Daily Beast

After the wretch had stabbed her in three places, he went to make his escape out at a window; but she cried out, My dear!

From Project Gutenberg

It was evident that the dread of another period of prison life was strong upon the trembling wretch.

From Project Gutenberg

If only the poor wretch next door knew what was in store for him!

From Project Gutenberg

There was a long stretch of wood country, where the wretch's most inhuman deeds had been located.

From Project Gutenberg

You don't think I am going to suffer Maude's children to be domineered over by a wretch of a step-mother—perhaps poisoned.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• rascal