blackguard

[ blag-ahrd, -erd, blak-gahrd ]

noun

1. a low, contemptible person; scoundrel.

   Synonyms: villain, devil, rogue, rapscallion, rascal, scamp

2. Obsolete.
   1. a group of menial workers in the kitchen of a large household.
   2. the servants of an army.
   3. camp followers.

verb (used with object)

1. to revile in scurrilous language.

   Synonyms: vilify, berate

blackguard

/ ˈblæɡɑːd; -ɡəd /

noun

1. 1. an unprincipled contemptible person; scoundrel
   2. ( as modifier )

      blackguard language

verb

1. tr to ridicule or denounce with abusive language
2. intr to behave like a blackguard

Derived Forms

• ˈblackguardism, noun
• ˈblackguardly, adjective

Other Words From

• blackguard·ism noun
• blackguard·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of blackguard¹

1525–35; black + guard; original sense obscure

Word History and Origins

Origin of blackguard¹

C16: originally a collective noun referring to the lowest menials in court, camp followers, vagabonds; see black, guard

Example Sentences

We have both known the blackguard for decades.

From Seattle Times

The website of Britain’s Parliament lists several other words that have, in the long history of vituperation in the House of Commons, led to objections: “blackguard, coward, git, guttersnipe, hooligan, rat, swine, stool pigeon and traitor” — most of which were probably last uttered a couple of centuries back.

From Washington Post

Notably, the trailer also features "Saturday Night Live" star Pete Davidson suiting up as Blackguard and the voice of Sylvester Stallone as King Shark, a monstrous human-shark hybrid.

From Fox News

Edgar finds work in the hamlet of Dreng’s Ferry with Dreng himself, an all-around blackguard, but eventually Edgar’s intelligence and capability propel him into the building trade.

From Washington Post

Parliament's website lists examples of words that might be considered offensive, including "stoolpigeon", "blackguard", "coward", "git", "guttersnipe", "hooligan" and "rat".

From BBC