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

Neither of your compromised blackguards recused themselves from these insurrection cases or the case considering whether J6 amounted to obstruction.

From Salon

We have both known the blackguard for decades.

From Seattle Times

They might be blackguards; They might be curs; They might be actors; sports; chauffeurs — She never inquired Of the men she desired About their social status, or wealth: She was only concerned about their health.

From New York Times

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

Also eschewing Russian bots, James Comey, and the failings of the Clinton campaign, he focusses on the larger forces that created an environment in which such a nonentity could blackguard his way to power.

From The New Yorker