caitif

Alternative forms

• caytyf, caitijf, caytif, chaitif, kaytif, caytyve, caytef, caytyff, kaytyff, caiteff, caytyffe, kaytiffe

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman caitif, from Latin captīvus. Doublet of captif.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /kɛi̯ˈtiːf/, /ˈkɛi̯tif/

Noun

caitif (plural caitifes)

1. A captive, prisoner or hostage.
2. A miser, wretch, pauper or beggar; a miserable person
3. A despicable or evil person.
4. (rare) The state of being held hostage.

Adjective

caitif (comparative caitiver, superlative catifest)

1. In captivity or jail; kidnapped.
2. Driven to despair; saddened.
3. miserly, of little means.
4. malicious, bad, sinful, heartless.

Alternative forms

• chaitif
• chatif
• cheitif

Etymology

From Vulgar Latin *cactivus, from a crossing of Latin captīvus and a Transalpine Gaulish caxtos, from Proto-Celtic *kaxtos. Cognate with Old Occitan caitiu.

Noun

caitif m (oblique plural caitis, nominative singular caitis, nominative plural caitif)

1. captive, prisoner