villainy

Etymology

From Middle English vileinie, vileynye, from Anglo-Norman vilenie, from Old French vilanie.

villainy means evil or wicked character or behaviour. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 79 out of 100.

Why “villainy” is a great word

VILLAINY — [Noun] Evil or wicked character, conduct, or a specific treacherous act. From Middle English vileinie, vileynye, from Anglo-Norman vilenie, from Old French vilanie ('vileness, wickedness, base action'), from vile ('vile'). Unlike 'corruption,' which implies a rot from within a position of trust, or 'criminality,' a sterile legal classification, villainy is moral wickedness rendered in bold, narrative strokes. It is the cold glint of a knife drawn under a pact of friendship, the cruel lie whispered to shatter a life, and the theatrical flourish of a poison dropped into a trusting cup—evil not as a state but as a deliberate, enacted craft, the necessary darkness that gives the hero his shape.

noun

Evil or wicked character or behaviour.“Mos Eisley spaceport- you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious.”
A wicked or treacherous act.“He drew from his pocket a pistol, which, devoid of principle or honour, with an assassin-like assault, he instantly aimed at the breast of Lord Deloraine, but which, in the struggle that ensued, as if by retributive justice, went off unexpectedly and lodged its contents in the body of Melliphant,—thus doomed to receive his punishment by his own hand, and by the very weapon he had carried for his o”
Ill-treatment, indignity, degrading or shameful treatment of someone.
Disgrace, ignominy.
The state of being a villein or serf, and by extension servitude or low estate in life.
Boorishness, rudeness, bad cultivation or manners.

adj

Characteristic of a villain.“We are all villainy— very villainy, as I am a Christian man.”