n. [ L. Vandalus, Vandalius; of Teutonic origin, and probably originally signifying, a wanderer. Cf. Wander. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. (Anc. Hist.) One of a Teutonic race, formerly dwelling on the south shore of the Baltic, the most barbarous and fierce of the northern nations that plundered Rome in the 5th century, notorious for destroying the monuments of art and literature. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Hence, one who willfully destroys or defaces any work of art or literature, or anything valluable. [ 1913 Webster ]

The Vandals of our isle,
Sworn foes to sense and law. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } a. Of or pertaining to the Vandals; resembling the Vandals in barbarism and destructiveness. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The spirit or conduct of the Vandals; ferocious cruelty; hostility to the arts and literature, or willful destruction or defacement of any object of beauty or value. [ 1913 Webster ]