What was the standard reference for evil before Hitler and the Nazis?

by somewhat_evil_genius

Today people always compare evil people to Hitler or Nazis as if they define evil. Was there a similar reference before WW2? Bonus question, when exactly did this reference start?

hillsonghoods

Not to discourage further responses, but this question has been asked a few times on this subreddit! There are some good answers in this thread from last year. There are also some older threads where OP has asked a similar question here, here, here and here.