Blackguard

An early instance of the use of this word occurs in a letter from Richard Topcliffe (Aug. 30, 1578), printed in Lodge's *Illustrations*, vol. ii. p. 188. I quote from Mr. Jardine's *Criminal Trials*, vol. ii. p. 13.: "His house, Euston, far unmeet for her Highness, but fitter for the *Black Guard*." It also occurs in Fuller's *Church History* (Book ix. cent. xvi. sect. vii. § 35. vol. v. p. 160. ed. Brewer):—"For who can otherwise conceive but such a prince-principal of darkness must be proportionably attended with a *black guard* of monstrous opinions?"