ˈarch-ˈvillain
[arch- 2; cf. med.L. archivillānus.]
Chief villain, begetter or ringleader of villainy. Hence arch-villainy.
| 1603 Shakes. Meas. for M. v. i. 57 Euen so may Angelo..Be an arch-villaine. 1623 Massinger Dk. Milan, Thou art a villain! All attributes of archvillains made into one, Cannot express thee. a 1625 Fletcher Woman's Prize iii. iv, All their arch-villanies, and all their doubles. 1814 Southey Roderick viii. Wks. IX. 75 Then did the Arch-villain urge the Moor at once To cut off future peril. |