noun
scofflaw
Scofflaw (noun) means someone who breaks the law and shows open contempt for it.
noun
1
Someone who breaks the law and shows open contempt for it.
2
Someone who regularly breaks small laws, such as parking rules, and ignores the fines or notices that follow.
"Unrepentant scofflaw on the lam Layin' waste to all the best-laid plans"
— J. G. Thirlwell, Heuldoch 7B (2001)
"At that time, appellant was informed that because there were unpaid tickets in the amount of $2,725.00, his Datsun had been declared a "scofflaw" car."
— West's New York Supplement (1990)
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Etymology
Formed from scoff and law. It was coined simultaneously by Mr Henry Irving Dale and Miss Kate L. Butler for a contest held in Boston in 1923, which sought a word for "a lawless drinker of illegally made or illegally obtained liquor" during the Prohibition era.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of scofflaw?
"scofflaw" (noun) means someone who breaks the law and shows open contempt for it.
What are the different meanings of scofflaw?
"scofflaw" has 2 main meanings: 1. Someone who breaks the law and shows open contempt for it; 2. Someone who regularly breaks small laws, such as parking rules, and ignores the fines or notices that follow.
