miscreant Hear it!

miscreant Definition

mis·cre·ant (mis′krē ənt)

adjective

  1. villainous; evil
  2. Archaic unbelieving or heretical

Etymology: OFr, unbelieving < mes- (see mis-) + creant, prp. of croire, to believe < L credere: see creed

noun

  1. an evil person; criminal; villain
  2. Archaic an unbeliever or heretic

miscreant Related Forms
mis′·cre·ancy noun
miscreant Synonyms

miscreant

n.

wretch, villain, knave, rogue, ruffian, rapscallion, scamp, caitiff, sneak, scoundrel, culprit, reprobate, delinquent, bully, malefactor, felon, criminal, convict, outlaw, jailbird, drunkard, bootlegger, blackguard, outcast, scapegrace, scallawag, racketeer, hoodlum, pickpocket, loafer, rounder, rowdy, rough; see also criminal, rascal.

Antonyms gentleman*, lady*, good man.

miscreant Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • identify: The use of video cameras may be preferred as a means of identifying the miscreants.
  • catch: Our emphasis must be on education and the maintenance of standards, rather than just catching miscreants.
  • punish: One room, with and unglazed and barred window, was used as a ' bridewell ' for punishing miscreants.

Adjective modifier

  • other: Small boys and other miscreants used to try to sneak in through the exits as paying patrons opened the door on their way out.
  • local: I think this red brick building was once the local Lockup where the local miscreants would have been locked up for the night.
  • such: Could such miscreants be the origin of the web of restrictive agreements with which UK industry is said to be rife?