noun
varlet
VAR-luht/ˈvɑrlət/
A dishonest or contemptible man.
That varlet cheats his neighbors and laughs at their losses.
Etymology
The squire or young attendant became someone in a menial or subordinate position. That social description then turned into an insult, shifting from low rank to low character.
In context
it suits us not that any fiddler, barber, or any soldier varlet should be clad like a prince, in velvet, cloth of silk, and rings of gold.
More examples
- She calls him a varlet for stealing the widow's savings.
- The play's charming varlet tricks everyone into trusting him.
- Those varlets sell worthless land to unsuspecting buyers.
Forms
varlet · varlets
Similar words
- scoundrel
- A more familiar term for a thoroughly dishonorable man.
- rogue
- Can suggest an appealing rule breaker rather than pure contempt.
- rascal
- Often suggests playful mischief rather than serious moral contempt.