I. ˈfelən adjective
Etymology: Middle English feloun, from Old French felon (oblique case form), from Medieval Latin fellon-, fello villain, rogue, probably from (assumed) Old Frankish fillo one who skins, one who whips; akin to Old High German fillen to skin, whip, fel skin — more at fell
1. archaic
a. : cruel , fierce ; also : murderous
b. : savage , wild
2. archaic : wicked , evil
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English feloun, from Old French felon (oblique case form) villain, rogue, from Medieval Latin fellon-, fello
1. : a person who has committed a felony
2. archaic : one that is wicked : villain
Synonyms: see criminal
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English feloun suppurative sore, from Old French felon, literally, villain
1. : a usually suppurative infection involving the deep tissues on the palmar surface of a fingertip — called also whitlow ; compare paronychia
2. : a severe inflammation on a finger or toe especially if involving the bone