† ˈcaynard Obs.
[a. F. cagnard sluggard (according to Littré, f. It. cagna bitch, fem. of cane dog): see -ard.]
A lazy fellow, a sluggard: a term of reproach.
| 1303 R. Brunne Handl. Synne 8300 A kaynarde ande a olde folle. a 1310 in Wright Lyric P. xxxix. (1842) 110 This croked caynard sore he is a-dred. c 1386 Chaucer Wife's Prol. 235 See, olde caynard, is this thin array? |