scoundrel
UK[ˈskaʊndrəl]US[ˈskaʊndrəl]
n
A person, especially a man, who is dishonest, selfish, and treats other people very badly.
Etymology
The word 'scoundrel' first appeared in English in the late 16th century, but its origins are obscure and debated. One prominent theory suggests it may derive from a dialectal English verb 'scounder' or 'scunner', meaning to shrink back or flinch in fear or disgust, implying a cowardly or despicable person. Another possibility is a link to the Anglo-French word 'escoundre', meaning to hide or abscond, which itself comes from the Latin 'abscondere' (to hide). Regardless of its precise root, the term was used from its inception as a strong term of abuse for a person of low moral character, capturing the concept of someone who is not only dishonest but also contemptible and lacking in honor.
Analysis
The word 'scoundrel' is a simplex word of uncertain origin. It does not neatly divide into productive morphemes in modern English. It is considered a single, unsegmentable lexical unit.
Examples
That scoundrel ran off with all their money.
He was portrayed in the film as a charming scoundrel.
The old tale warns of the scoundrel who tricks the innocent.