Blackguard
noun
A person who behaves in a bad or dishonest way.
He is known around town as a blackguard and a cheat.

Often appears as...
- accuse of being a blackguard
- call someone a blackguard
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
verb
To abuse or maliciously criticize (someone).
She blackguarded him in front of the entire community for what he had done.

Often appears as...
- blackguard someone publicly
- blackguard for actions
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
noun
A person who behaves in a bad or dishonest way.
He is known around town as a blackguard and a cheat.

Often appears as...
- accuse of being a blackguard
- call someone a blackguard
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
verb
To abuse or maliciously criticize (someone).
She blackguarded him in front of the entire community for what he had done.

Often appears as...
- blackguard someone publicly
- blackguard for actions
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2

Archaic Usage
The noun 'blackguard' is outdated; modern words like 'scoundrel' are more common.

Instead of 'blackguard', you might say 'He is a scoundrel' nowadays.
Negative Connotation
When calling someone a blackguard, it implies strong disapproval and condemnation.

Labeling him a blackguard instantly tarnished his reputation.
Historical Context
Originally, 'blackguard' described lowly kitchen staff; now it's about moral character.

In historical novels, a 'blackguard' often referred to a dishonorable man.
Archaic Usage
The noun 'blackguard' is outdated; modern words like 'scoundrel' are more common.

Instead of 'blackguard', you might say 'He is a scoundrel' nowadays.
Negative Connotation
When calling someone a blackguard, it implies strong disapproval and condemnation.

Labeling him a blackguard instantly tarnished his reputation.
Historical Context
Originally, 'blackguard' described lowly kitchen staff; now it's about moral character.

In historical novels, a 'blackguard' often referred to a dishonorable man.
Archaic Usage
The noun 'blackguard' is outdated; modern words like 'scoundrel' are more common.

Instead of 'blackguard', you might say 'He is a scoundrel' nowadays.
Negative Connotation
When calling someone a blackguard, it implies strong disapproval and condemnation.

Labeling him a blackguard instantly tarnished his reputation.
Historical Context
Originally, 'blackguard' described lowly kitchen staff; now it's about moral character.

In historical novels, a 'blackguard' often referred to a dishonorable man.
Quote examples
Ambrose Bierce
American Journalist
Cynic, n: a blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be.

Quote examples
Ambrose Bierce
American Journalist
Cynic, n: a blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be.

Example 1 of 1
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