scofflaw
Scofflaw (noun) means a criminal or lawbreaker, especially one who is openly contemptuous or dismissive of current laws or displays conspicuous or outward disrespect, distain, or disregard for the law.
Etymology
From scoff + law. Coined simultaneously by Mr Henry Irving Dale and Miss Kate L. Butler for a contest held in Boston in 1923 in which a word for "a lawless drinker of illegally made or illegally obtained liquor" was sought during the Prohibition era.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of scofflaw?
"scofflaw" (noun) means a criminal or lawbreaker, especially one who is openly contemptuous or dismissive of current laws or displays conspicuous or outward disrespect, distain, or disregard for the law.
What are the different meanings of scofflaw?
"scofflaw" has 2 main meanings: 1. a criminal or lawbreaker, especially one who is openly contemptuous or dismissive of current laws or displays conspicuous or outward disrespect, distain, or disregard for the law; 2. One who habitually violates minor laws or fails to answer trivial court summonses (such as parking tickets).