Definition of the word bastard

The word "bastard" has a complex and contentious history. The term originally referred to a child born out of wedlock, with no father recognized or acknowledged. The word comes from the Old French "baste," meaning "to shape or construct," and the suffix "-ard," which indicates a child or offspring. In medieval society, the label "bastard" carried a significant social stigma, as it indicated that the child was illegitimate and therefore excluded from inheriting property or title. The word was also used to describe someone who was considered shameful or of inferior social status. Over time, the term "bastard" has taken on more general uses and connotations, including being used as a slur or an insult. However, its origins and historical connotations are still tied to its original meaning and association with illegitimate birth.