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A coward or wretch; a despicable person.
synonyms:cowardscoundrel
Middle English 'caitif', from Old French 'catif', meaning 'captured' or 'captive', which in turn comes from the Latin 'captivus', meaning 'taken captive'.
This word is primarily used in literary and historical contexts, often to describe a character's moral failing or cowardice.
'Caitiff' is an archaic term that is rarely used in modern conversation, making it less common in everyday language.
Despite his grand claims of bravery, his actions revealed him to be nothing more than a caitiff, hiding when true courage was needed.
The villain of the story was a caitiff, whose treachery ultimately led to his downfall.
In Shakespeare's plays, the caitiff often serves as a foil to the noble characters, highlighting their virtues through contrast.
The word 'caitiff' might sound a bit old-fashioned, but it carries a vivid picture of cowardice and moral failing. Originating from the Latin word for 'captive', it has evolved through the ages to describe those who shy away from challenges or betray their principles. While you won't hear it in everyday conversation, it often pops up in literature to paint a dramatic picture of villainy. So next time you encounter a character displaying cowardly behavior, remember, they might just be a caitiff at heart!