laster

Laster is a term that appears in Germanic-language contexts and as a surname in various countries. In English, it is rarely used outside of proper names and historical or linguistic discussions.

In German, Laster denotes vice, bad habit, or moral failing, and it is used in religious, ethical, and literary contexts. The word can appear in phrases that discuss immoral behavior or addictions, such as Laster der Sucht, to convey the concept of a destructive habit. The term is distinct from Last, which more commonly means a physical load or burden.

As a surname, Laster occurs among families in the United States, Germany, and other regions. Surname origins are diverse and may reflect ancestral trades, nicknames, or geographic associations. Genealogical and archival research is typically required to establish a specific family history and regional provenance for a particular name bearer.

In general usage, Laster functions primarily as a proper noun when it appears in modern texts, and its appearance as a common noun is limited mainly to German-language contexts. When encountered in other languages, it is commonly a loanword or a family name rather than a standard vocabulary item. See also Last and Luster for similarly spelled terms with unrelated meanings.