turncoat

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See also: turn-coat and turn coat

English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

A compound of turn +‎ coat, reportedly derived from the sometime military practice of wearing uniform coats that were lined in material of a contrasting color, and which could be worn inside out to present a different appearance.

Pronunciation[edit]

Noun[edit]

turncoat (plural turncoats)

  1. A traitor; one who turns against a previous affiliation or allegiance.
    Synonyms: apostate, defector, renegade

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Verb[edit]

turncoat (third-person singular simple present turncoats, present participle turncoating, simple past and past participle turncoated)

  1. To act as a turncoat; to betray

Translations[edit]