scofflaw

Definition

One who habitually violates minor laws or fails to answer trivial court summonses (such as parking tickets).

Etymology

From scoff + law. Coined simultaneously by Mr Henry Irving Dale and Miss Kate L. Butler for a contest held in Boston in 1923 in which a word for "a lawless drinker of illegally made or illegally obtained liquor" was sought during the Prohibition era.

Example Sentences

• "The scofflaw entered the scoflsloon. He leaned an elbow on the scoffbar and rested a foot on the scoffrail. 'Waddle'y' have?" said the scoffbartender. "A little tea," said the scofflaw."
• "If we are to scour out the scofflaws, we must first remove those particular laws at which nearly everybody scoffs."
• "Within six months, with the full cooperation of police throughout the state, the scofflaw rate was down to 22 per cent."