Synonyms for caitiff

Grammar : Noun

Spell : key-tif

Phonetic Transcription : ˈkeɪ tɪf

Définition of caitiff

Origin : c.1300, "wicked, base, cowardly," from Old North French caitive "captive, miserable" (Old French chaitif, 12c., Modern French chétif "puny, sickly, poor, weak"), from Latin captivum (see captive, which was a later, scholarly borrowing of the same word). In most Romance languages, it has acquired a pejorative sense.

noun coward

Example sentences :

What man would be so caitiff and thrall as to fail you at your need?
Extract from : « The White Company » by Arthur Conan Doyle

Her eloquent sighs and sobs soon told the caitiff he had nothing to fear.
Extract from : « A Simpleton » by Charles Reade

I would not be so caitiff and so thrall as to leave you, when some small deed might still be done.
Extract from : « Sir Nigel » by Arthur Conan Doyle

The proper thing to say to a bad man is, "Caitiff, I hate thee."
Extract from : « Nineteenth Century Questions » by James Freeman Clarke

Nay, his was no coward blood that would surrender to caitiff churls.
Extract from : « A Clerk of Oxford » by Evelyn Everett-Green

It was blown by a caitiff negro, a deserter from Uncle Sams swart cavalry.
Extract from : « The Sunset Trail » by Alfred Henry Lewis

The constable has sworn that the caitiff had pea-green hair.
Extract from : « Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 107, October 6, 1894 » by Various

The caitiff who had undersold them was in the village at that moment!
Extract from : « The Woodlands Orchids » by Frederick Boyle

So long as this caitiff knight lives, your life will not be safe.
Extract from : « Saint George for England » by G. A. Henty

But now you can seize the caitiff who is come as a spy amongst your corn.
Extract from : « Rural Rides » by William Cobbett

Most wanted synonyms

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019