Word Origin and History for miscreant Expand. adj. c.1300, non-Christian, pagan, infidel; early 15c., heretical, unbelieving, from Old French mescreant disbelieving (Modern French mÃ©crÃ©ant), from mes- wrongly (see mis- (2)) + creant, present participle of creire believe, from Latin credere (see credit).