Benedict Arnold

English

A plaque marking the site where Benedict Arnold supposedly committed his treason.

Etymology

From Benedict Arnold, famous for betraying the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

Noun

Benedict Arnold (plural Benedict Arnolds)

1. (US) A traitor.
   • 1945, William Worthy, Jr., “Non-Fraternization: American Style”, in The Crisis, volume 52, number 11, page 323:

     A Negro hotelkeeper in a free city of the North views with disdain a Benedict Arnold in the colored camp who crosses the lines to a "white" hotel.

   • 2008, Nick De La Pena, The Contagion, page 299:

     I am no longer an American; I am a traitor, a Judas, a Benedict Arnold.

   • 2009, Charles Zastrow, The Practice of Social Work: A Comprehensive Worktext, page 204:

     Within a group, Benedict Arnolds attempt to prevent the group from accomplishing its goals

   • 2012, Nicholas Campanella, Traglamoor's Journey:

     What if we are already under investigation from someone covertly talking with the cops? What if there is a Benedict Arnold in the group?

Synonyms

• quisling