In the more recent [writers] it is spoken by women only,[1] like "O wretch"; but in the ancient ones by men also. And [it is used] in Aristophanes' Knights[2] and in Plato's Theatetus.[3] Menander in She Who Loves [says]:"Send away the man! Why are you knocking, O friend?"[4] He means O wretched man,, O wicked man. But some [say that it means] O one who is worthy of care and, in effect, one who has been cared for.
An epithet, that is, O wickedest, O one possessed by the most evil genius, O most contemptible.[5]