# turncoat

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈtəːn.kəʊt/ · frequency rank #71,186

## Definitions
1. A traitor; one who turns against a previous affiliation or allegiance.

## Etymology
A compound of turn + coat, reportedly derived from the sometime military practice of wearing uniform coats that were lined in material of a contrasting color, and which could be worn inside out to present a different appearance.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/turncoat