blackguard

UK: /ˈblæɡɑːd/

US: /ˈblægɑrd, -ɚd/

US: (blag′ärd, -ərd, blak′gärd′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

black•guard /ˈblægɑrd, -ɚd/   n. [countable]

1. a scoundrel;
   a wicked or dishonorable person.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

black•guard  (blag′ärd, -ərd, blak′gärd′), n. 

1. a low, contemptible person;
   scoundrel.
2. [Obs.]
   • a group of menial workers in the kitchen of a large household.
   • the servants of an army.
   • camp followers.

v.t. 

3. to revile in scurrilous language.

• 1525–35; black + guard; original sense obscure

black′guard•ism, n. 
black′guard•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 1. . scamp, rascal, rapscallion, rogue, devil, villain.
• 3. . berate, vilify.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

blackguard / ˈblæɡɑːd -ɡəd/ noun

1. an unprincipled contemptible person; scoundrel
2. (as modifier): blackguard language

verb

1. (transitive) to ridicule or denounce with abusive language
2. (intransitive) to behave like a blackguard

Etymology: 16th Century: originally a collective noun referring to the lowest menials in court, camp followers, vagabonds; see black, guard

ˈblackguardism noun

ˈblackguardly adjective