blackguard

[ blag-ahrd, -erd, blak-gahrd ]
/ ˈblæg ɑrd, -ərd, ˈblækˌgɑrd /

noun

a low, contemptible person; scoundrel.
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)

to revile in scurrilous language.

Origin of blackguard

1525–35; black + guard; original sense obscure

OTHER WORDS FROM blackguard

black·guard·ism, noun black·guard·ly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for blackguard

British Dictionary definitions for blackguard

blackguard
/ (ˈblæɡɑːd, -ɡəd) /

noun

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

verb

(tr) to ridicule or denounce with abusive language
(intr) to behave like a blackguard

Derived forms of blackguard

blackguardism, noun blackguardly, adjective

Word Origin for blackguard

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