Old English wrecca "wretch, stranger, exile," from Proto-Germanic *wrakjon "pursuer; one pursued" (cognates: Old Saxon wrekkio, Old High German reckeo "a banished person, exile," German recke "renowned warrior, hero"), related to Old English wreccan "to drive out, punish" (see wreak). "The contrast in the development of the meaning in Eng. and German is remarkable" [OED]. Sense of "vile, despicable person" developed in Old English, reflecting the sorry state of the outcast, as presented in Anglo-Saxon verse (such as "The Wanderer"). Compare German Elend "misery," from Old High German elilenti "sojourn in a foreign land, exile."
双语例句
1. Before the poor wretch had time to speak, he was shot.
这个可怜的人还没来得及开口就中了枪。
来自柯林斯例句
2. Oh, what have you done, you wretch!
噢，你都干了些什么，你这个混蛋！
来自柯林斯例句
3. You are really an ungrateful wretch to complain instead of thanking him.
你不但不谢他,还埋怨他,真不知好歹.
来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
4. The miserable wretch lost his all.
这个贱骨头失去了他的一切.
来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
5. What would she do about that ? The confounded wretch!