RAS'CAL, noun A mean fellow; a scoundrel; in modern usage, a trickish dishonest fellow; a rogue; particularly applied to men and boys guilty of the lesser crimes, and indicating less enormity or guilt than villain. I have sense to serve my turn in store, and he's a rascal who pretends to more. RAS'CAL, adjective 1. Lean; as a rascal deer. 2. Mean; low.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI