caitiff

From Middle English caitif, from Anglo-Norman caitif (“captive”), akin to Old French chaitif (French chétif) and Middle Dutch keytyf, from a Vulgar Latin alteration of Latin captīvus (“captive”); compare Italian cattivo (“bad, wicked”). Doublet of captive.

• IPA^(key): /ˈkeɪtɪf/

caitiff (plural caitiffs)

1. A base or despicable person; a wretch
2. (obsolete) A captive or prisoner, particularly a galley slave
3. (archaic) A villain, a coward or wretch
   • 1989, Anthony Burgess, The Devil's Mode

     ‘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.’

caitiff (comparative more caitiff, superlative most caitiff)

1. Especially despicable; cowardly
   • 1809, Washington Irving, Knickerbocker's History of New York:

     Beshrew those caitiff scouts that conspired to sully his honest name by such an imputation!

   • 1867, Dante Alighieri, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (translator), The Divine Comedy,

     Commingled are they with that caitiff choir

     Of Angels, who have not rebellious been,

     Nor faithful were to God, but were for self.

   • 1875, Sidney Lanier, The Symphony:

     Is Honor gone into his grave?

     Hath Faith become a caitiff knave,

     And Selfhood turned into a slave

     To work in Mammon’s cave,

     Fair Lady?