faineant Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite disinclined to work or exertion
    lazy; slothful; indolent; otiose; work-shy.
    • faineant kings under whose rule the country languished
    • an indolent hanger-on
    • too lazy to wash the dishes
    • shiftless idle youth
    • slothful employees
    • the unemployed are not necessarily work-shy

WordNet

Fai`né`ant" adjective (Also<
  • Faineant
  • Fainéant
)
Etymology
F.; fait he does + néant nothing.
Definitions
  1. Doing nothing; shiftless. -- n. A do-nothing; an idle fellow; a sluggard. Sir W. Scott.

Webster 1913