1. a dishonest or unprincipled person; a rogue or scoundrel
Usage: archaic
2. a male servant or attendant, especially to a knight
Usage: archaic; historical

Examples

• The old king called his treacherous advisor a varlet.
• In medieval times, a varlet would help his master with armor and weapons.
• The nobleman dismissed the varlet for stealing from the treasury.
• Shakespeare often portrayed varlets as cunning but untrustworthy characters.
• The young varlet served faithfully in the castle for many years.
• Don’t trust that varlet with your money.