GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 3 definitions 

  1.       

    Villain , n. [OE. vilein, F. vilain, LL. villanus, from villa a village, L. villa a farm.  See Villa.]
    1913 Webster
    1. (Feudal Law) One who holds lands by a base, or servile, tenure, or in villenage; a feudal tenant of the lowest class, a bondman or servant.  [In this sense written also villan, and villein.]
      1913 Webster
      If any of my ansectors was a tenant, and a servant, and held his lands as a villain to his lord, his posterity also must do so, though accidentally they become noble.
      Jer. Taylor.

      1913 Webster
      ☞ Villains were of two sorts; villains regardant, that is, annexed to the manor (LL. adscripti glebae); and villains in gross, that is, annexed to the person of their lord, and transferable from one to another.  
      Blackstone.

      1913 Webster
    2. A baseborn or clownish person; a boor.  [R.]
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      Pour the blood of the villain in one basin, and the blood of the gentleman in another, what difference shall there be proved?
      Becon.

      1913 Webster
    3. A vile, wicked person; a man extremely depraved, and capable or guilty of great crimes; a deliberate scoundrel; a knave; a rascal; a scamp.
      1913 Webster
      Like a villain with a smiling cheek.
      Shak.

      1913 Webster
      Calm, thinking villains, whom no faith could fix.
      Pope.

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  2.       

    Villain, a. [F. vilain.] Villainous.  [R.]
    Shak.

    1913 Webster
    
      
    
  3.       

    Villain, v. t. To debase; to degrade.  [Obs.]
    Sir T. More.

    1913 Webster

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