Meaning of Caitiff | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A base or despicable person; a wretch.
2. A captive or prisoner, particularly a galley slave.
   obsolete
3. A villain, a coward or wretch.
   archaic

Equivalents

Examples

“‘There are plenty of Huns who have defected to the Romans, seeking gold and a quiet life. One of my first tasks as paramount chief is to bring those caitiffs back and crucify them.’”

“"How now, you scullions and cullions: bring hither a pair of cow's hooves to out face this contumelious caitiff."”

“(Aaron Burr and Andrew Jackson ride together in Tennessee; Burr narrates): Jackson shouted at me his view of the duel. "Never read such a damned lot of nonsense as the press has been writing! All that hypocritical caterwauling for that Creole bastard (referring to Alexander Hamilton) who fought you of his own free will, just like a gentleman which he wasn't, if you'll forgive me, Colonel! I know you couldn't have met him unless you thought he was one, but he was not, Sir. He was the worst man in this union, as you, Sir, are the best. The best, and that goes for that pusillanimous spotted caitiff of a president (referring to Thomas Jefferson) we got.”

CEFR level