Emily Dickinson Lexicon

ROGUE, n. [rōg; Sax. earg, arg, idle, stupid, mean; eargian, to become dull or torpid; D. G. Sw. and Dan. arg, evil, crafty, wicked; Gr. αργος. Hence Cimbric argur, and Eng. rogue, by transposition of letters. The word arga, in the laws of the Longobards, denotes a cuckold. Spel. voc. Arga.]

1. In law, a vagrant; a sturdy beggar; a vagabond. Persons of this character were, by the ancient laws of England, to be punished by whipping and having the ear bored with a hot iron. – Encyc. Spenser.
2. A knave; a dishonest person; applied now, I believe, exclusively to males. This word comprehends thieves and robbers, but is generally applied to such as cheat and defraud in mutual dealings, or to counterfeiters. The rogue and fool by fits is fair and wise. – Pope.
3. A name of slight tenderness and endearment. Alas, poor rogue, I think indeed she loves. – Shak.
4. A wag. – Shak.