harlot

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   dated and offensive: a woman described as a prostitute or as sexually promiscuous

   The historical novel uses harlot as an insult hurled at the accused woman.

2. 2
   noun

   obsolete: a rogue, vagabond, or person of low character

   In the medieval text, harlot refers to a disreputable male servant rather than a woman.

From Middle English harlot and Old French harlot or herlot ("vagabond, rogue"), of uncertain origin. The word originally referred to a person of low status or conduct; its specifically sexual and female sense developed later.

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