rakish

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   dashingly stylish or jaunty in a slightly unconventional or disreputable way

   He tilted his hat at a rakish angle before entering the club.

2. 2
   adj

   characteristic of a rake; sexually immoral or dissolute

   His rakish reputation alarmed the more respectable families.

Formed from rake, 'a dissolute man,' + -ish. It first described conduct associated with a rake, then broadened to a stylishly careless or daring appearance that merely hints at disreputability.

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