I. ˈkət-ˌthrōt noun
Date: 1535
1. : killer , murderer
2. : a cruel unprincipled person
II. adjective
Date: 1565
1. : murderous , cruel
2. : marked by unprincipled practices : ruthless
cutthroat competition
3. : characterized by each player playing independently rather than having a permanent partner — used especially of partnership games adapted for three players
cutthroat bridge