ran·cor \ˈraŋkə(r), ˈraiŋ-\noun (-s) Usage: see -or Etymology: Middle English rancour, from Middle French ranceur, from Late Latin rancor rancidity, grudge, rancor, from Latin rancēre to be rancid, stink + -or : vehement hatred or ill will : intense malignity or spite : deep-seated enmity : inveterate malevolence < hopelessly involved … in the political rancors of the times — E.M.Coulter > Synonyms:see enmity