Definitions for: Scapegoat

[n] someone punished for the errors of others

Webster (1913) Definition: Scape"goat`, n. [Scape (for escape) + goat.]
1. (Jewish Antiq.) A goat upon whose head were symbolically
placed the sins of the people, after which he was suffered
to escape into the wilderness. --Lev. xvi. 10.

2. Hence, a person or thing that is made to bear blame for
others. --Tennyson.

Synonyms: whipping boy

See Also: victim