The crossword solution for the term 'HARDY VILLAIN' is ALEC, which is a four letter word. ALEC is a name that has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Greek name Alexandros, which means 'defender of men'. In literature, ALEC is often used as a villainous character, such as in Thomas Hardy's novel 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles'. In this novel, ALEC is a wealthy landowner who seduces Tess and ultimately leads to her downfall.