Rancour

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Rancor \Ran"cor\ (r[a^][ng]"k[~e]r), n. [Written also
     {rancour}.] [OE. rancour, OF. rancor, rancur, F. rancune, fr.
     L. rancor rancidity, rankness; tropically, an old grudge,
     rancor, fr. rancere to be rank or rancid.]
     The deepest malignity or spite; deep-seated enmity or malice;
     inveterate hatred. "To stint rancour and dissencioun."


     --Chaucer.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           It would not be easy to conceive the passion, rancor,
           and malice of their tongues and hearts.  --Burke.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Syn: Enmity; hatred; ill will; malice; spite; grudge;
          animosity; malignity.
  
     Usage: {Rancor}, {Enmity}. Enmity and rancor both describe
            hostile feelings; but enmity may be generous and open,
            while rancor implies personal malice of the worst and
            most enduring nature, and is the strongest word in our
            language to express hostile feelings.
            [1913 Webster]
  
                  Rancor will out; proud prelate, in thy face
                  I see thy fury.                   --Shak.
            [1913 Webster]
  
                  Rancor is that degree of malice which preys upon
                  the possessor.                    --Cogan.
            [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  rancour
       n : a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will [syn: {resentment},
            {bitterness}, {gall}, {rancor}]