dastard
UK: ˈdæstəd | US: ˈdæstərd
n. a cowardly or dishonorable person
adj. characterized by cowardice or treachery
dastard = dast<cowardly> + ard<person>
- dast (from Middle English dast, meaning "cowardly" or "dull")
- ard (a suffix denoting a person, often pejorative, as in "drunkard" or "braggart")
Etymology Origin:
The word "dastard" emerged in late Middle English, combining "dast" (a now-obsolete term for cowardice) with the suffix "-ard," which was used to form nouns describing people with negative traits. Over time, "dastard" evolved to specifically denote someone who is not only cowardly but also deceitful or dishonorable. The suffix "-ard" reinforces the contemptuous tone, making it a strong insult.
The general called the spy a dastard for betraying his comrades.
His dastardly plot to frame an innocent man was uncovered.
In the story, the villain was portrayed as a sneaking dastard.
She refused to associate with such a dastard, even in business.
The king banished the dastard from the kingdom for his treachery.