scoundrel

English

Etymology

From earlier scondrel, scondrell, skoundrell, skowndrell, of unknown origin. Possibly related to northern English or Scottish scunner, skuner, scouner, scunder (to shrink back in fear, disgust, or loathing) (Encyclopædia Britannica 1911).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈskaʊ̯ndɹəl/
  • Audio (Southern England):(file)

Noun

scoundrel (plural scoundrels)

  1. A mean, worthless fellow; a rascal; a villain; a person without honor or virtue.
    Synonyms: see Thesaurus:villain

Derived terms

Translations

Further reading