Malefactor
/ˈmæl.ɪ.fæk.tər/noun
A person who commits a crime or some other wrong.
Did you know?In medieval Latin, 'malefactor' referred to someone who performed evil deeds, linking directly to the concept of 'malefic' magic, which was believed to bring harm.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
malefactor
“One who does evil or wrong.”
Middle English
Middle English
malefactor
“A wrongdoer or criminal, borrowed from Latin.”
14th Century
Old French
malefacteur
“An evildoer, particularly in a legal context.”
Modern English
English
malefactor
“A term still used to describe a person guilty of wrongdoing or crime.”
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