turncoat

[ turn-koht ]

noun

1. a person who changes to the opposite party or faction, reverses principles, etc.; renegade.

turncoat

/ ˈtɜːnˌkəʊt /

noun

1. a person who deserts one cause or party for the opposite faction; renegade

Word History and Origins

Origin of turncoat¹

First recorded in 1550–60; origin uncertain; possibly from the practice hiding one's allegiance by turning one's coat inside out and covering one's party colors, military insignia, or heraldic badges; turn + coat

Example Sentences

Between dead drops and TOR, this meant unlike traditional drug rings, no one actually has to meet face-to-face, shielding the operation from undercovers, turncoats and stool pigeons.

From Salon

Eventually they squeezed into a hovel before being discovered by a turncoat cabinet member.

From Salon

The turncoat was not only defeated but humiliated.

From Salon

Kremlin political critics, turncoat spies and investigative journalists have been killed or assaulted in a variety of way s.

From Seattle Times

Under the command of Benedict Arnold, the notorious turncoat American general who now fought with the British, the men carried silver handcuffs meant for the author of the Declaration of Independence.

From Literature

Related Words

• defector
• informer