villainy

Definition

Evil or wicked character or behaviour.

Etymology

From Middle English vileinie, vileynye, from Anglo-Norman vilenie, from Old French vilanie.

Example Sentences

• "Mos Eisley spaceport- you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious."
• "He drew from his pocket a pistol, which, devoid of principle or honour, with an assassin-like assault, he instantly aimed at the breast of Lord Deloraine, but which, in the struggle that ensued, as if by retributive justice, went off unexpectedly and lodged its contents in the body of Melliphant,—thus doomed to receive his punishment by his own hand, and by the very weapon he had carried for his own defence in the perpetration of his villanies."