withersake en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ˈwɪðə(ɹ)ˌseɪk/
Etymology
From Middle English withersake, from Old English wiþersaca (“adversary, enemy; betrayer; apostate”), from Proto-West Germanic *wiþrasakō, equivalent to wither- (“against”) + sake. Cognate with Middle High German widersache, Modern German Widersacher (“adversary, opponent, antagonist, foe”).
Meanings
-
(archaic) An apostate or perfidious renegade.
"Go to with thy trade," replied Father Adrian, "I know thee not but for a lying withersake; a base pilfering waster and drawlatch; a cutting ribald moss trooper, and doer of ran and rapine; a common lecher and brawler; […]
1822, Lee Gibbons [pseudonym of William Bennett], Malpas; Or Le Poursuivant D'Amour. A Romance, Etc:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| wythersake | alternative | lexicographic | |
| withersakes | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Synonyms
transfuge · turncoat · double-crosser · runagate · withersake · quisling · serpent · ratter · wolf in sheep's clothing · apostate · recreant · treacher · turncloak · changeling · snake · treacherer · butterfly · rat · defector · traitor · turntippet · traitor · transfuge · treasonist · snake in the grass · turncoat · backstabber · withersake · cockatrice · renegade · turntippet · balimbing · betrayer · swike