caitiff

English

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈkeɪtɪf/

Noun

caitiff (plural caitiffs)

1. A base or despicable person; a 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.’

2. (obsolete) A captive or prisoner, particularly a galley slave.
   • 1936, Norman Lindsay, The Flyaway Highway, Sydney: Angus and Robertson, page 44:

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

3. (archaic) A villain, a coward or wretch.
   • 1973, Gore Vidal, Burr , chapter 36:

     (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.

Adjective

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, translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 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?