coistrel

noun

cois·​trel ˈkȯi-strəl How to pronounce coistrel (audio)
archaic
: a mean fellow : varlet

Word History

Etymology

Middle French coustillier soldier carrying a short sword, from coustille short sword, ultimately from Latin cultellus knife — more at cutlass

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coistrel was in 1575

Dictionary Entries Near coistrel

coir

coistrel

coition

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Coistrel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coistrel. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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