Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SCOUN'DREL, n. [said to be from It. scondaruole, a lurker, one that skulks from the roll or muster, from L. abscondo. The Italian signifies properly the play hoodman-blind, or fox in the hole.]

A mean, worthless fellow; a rascal; a low petty villain; a man without honor or virtue. Go, if your ancient but ignoble blood / Has crept through scoundrels ever since the flood. – Pope.