Bastardries

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. An act or behavior considered vile or treacherous, often involving deceit or treachery
  2. The quality or state of being morally lacking, particularly in a way that betrays trust or loyalty
  3. A term describing misconduct that involves wrongdoing or unfairness, particularly of a sneaky or underhanded nature

Etymology: The noun "bastardries" derives from the singular "bastardy," which historically referred to the condition of being born out of wedlock. The root of this term lies in the Old French word "bastard," which emerged during the medieval period, likely around the 12th century. This Old French term itself probably originated from the Medieval Latin "bastardus," a word whose exact origins remain uncertain but may be connected to Germanic roots implying illegitimacy or being of uncertain parentage. In medieval society, lineage and legitimate birth were critical for inheritance and social standing, so the concept embodied by this word bore significant weight. The plural form, "bastardries," would have been used to denote multiple instances or cases of illegitimate births or the social conditions arising from them. Over time, the term expanded beyond its strictly genealogical meaning to encompass broader ideas of illegitimacy or irregularity in various contexts. The shift from a concrete legal and social status to a more abstract sense of irregularity or deviation from accepted norms illustrates how the word's meaning evolved. While the singular form remains more common, the plural has been employed in historical and literary texts to emphasize the prevalence or impact of such conditions. The word entered English usage by the late Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of lineage and legitimacy in feudal and early modern societies. Though its modern use is rare and often confined to historical or legal discussions, the plural form of this word serves as a linguistic reminder of the ways social structures have been encoded into language, marking distinctions that once shaped individuals’ destinies.

Synonyms: illegitimacies, illegitimate births, unnatural births, illegitimate children, illegitimacy

Antonyms: legitimacies, legitimate births, legitimate children