turncoat

See also: turn-coat and turn coat

English

WOTD – 13 May 2010

Etymology

A compound of turn + coat, reportedly derived from the sometime military practice of wearing uniform coats that were lined in material of a contrasting color, and which could be worn inside out to present a different appearance.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈtəːn.kəʊt/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈtɝn.koʊt/
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Noun

turncoat (plural turncoats)

  1. A traitor; one who turns against a previous affiliation or allegiance.

Alternative forms

Synonyms

Translations

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