caitiff

noun

1. A base or despicable person; a wretch.

   “‘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.’”

   “(After answering no to Alvina’s question) ‘Hmm, I see. A result most heathenish and gross. Then there is nothing more to say about this tedious reckoning. Be gone from here. Pernicious caitiff.’”

2. (obsolete)A captive or prisoner, particularly a galley slave.

   “"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.

adj

1. Especially despicable; cowardly

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

   “Commingled are they with that caitiff choir Of Angels, who have not rebellious been, Nor faithful were to God, but were for self.”

   “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?”