GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Villain , n. [OE. vilein, F. vilain, LL. villanus, from villa a village, L. villa a farm. See Villa.]
   1913 Webster
   (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
   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.
   
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   A vile, wicked person; a man extremely depraved, and capable or guilty of great crimes; a deliberate scoundrel; a knave; a rascal; a scamp.
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   Like a villain with a smiling cheek.
   Shak.
   
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   Calm, thinking villains, whom no faith could fix.
   Pope.
   
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2.       
   Villain, a. [F. vilain.] Villainous. [R.]
   Shak.
   
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3.       
   Villain, v. t. To debase; to degrade. [Obs.]
   Sir T. More.
   
   1913 Webster