scapegrace etymology

Etymology:

The word "scapegrace" is a combination of two Old English words:

• Scape: meaning "to escape" or "to evade"
• Grace: meaning "good behavior" or "favor"

Meaning and Origin:

The term "scapegrace" originally referred to a person who escaped or evaded their duties or responsibilities. Over time, the meaning shifted to describe someone who is wild, reckless, or irresponsible.

First Known Use:

The first known use of the word "scapegrace" in English dates back to the 1520s. It was initially used as a neutral term to describe someone who had strayed from the path of virtue. However, by the 17th century, it had acquired its current negative connotation.

Related Words:

• Scapegoat: A person who is blamed or punished for the mistakes or crimes of others.
• Graceless: Lacking good manners or behavior.
• Graceful: Exhibiting grace and elegance in movement or manner.

Usage in Literature:

The word "scapegrace" has been used in literature for centuries to describe characters who are rebellious, mischievous, or morally flawed. Some notable examples include:

• Tom Sawyer in Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"
• Huckleberry Finn in Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"
• Holden Caulfield in J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye"
• Mercutio in William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"

scapegrace relate terms

• grace

  Etymology Latin gratia favor thankfulness grace Meaning Favor kindness or good

• scape

  Etymology The word scape is derived from the Old French word eschaper or echaper

• escape

  Etymology and Meaning of Escape Origin Old French escaper 12th century Late Latin ex

• scapegoat

  Etymology Scape Latin goat Goat Old English male goat Meaning Noun A p

• scape

  Etymology The word scape is derived from the Old French word eschaper or echaper

• goat

  Etymology The word goat originates from the Old English word gāt which in turn is

• scapegrace

  Etymology The word scapegrace is a combination of two Old English words Scape mean

• reprobate

  Etymology From Middle English reprouable c 1400 from Anglo Norman French reprouvabl

• sheep

  Etymology The word sheep comes from the Old English word scep which is derived from

• rejoice

  Etymology The word rejoice comes from the Middle English word rejoisen which is deri

• indulgence

  Etymology Late Middle English in the sense a privilege granted by the Church to a p

• real

  Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek words étymon meaning true meani

• perfection

  Etymology From Latin perfectionem state of being complete finished or flawless

• challenge

  Etymology The word challenge derives from the Old French word chalenge which itself

• respect

  Etymology The word respect derives from the Latin word respectus meaning a lookin

• guinea

  Etymology The word guinea has a complex etymology with multiple possible origins 1

• Dutch

  Etymology The word Dutch is derived from the Latin word Theodiscus which means of