Dictionary entry

Blasphemy

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Blas″phe‐my (�), n. [L. blasphemia, Gr. : cf. OF. blasphemie.] 1. An indignity offered to God in words, writing, or signs; impiously irreverent words or signs addressed to, or used in reference to, God; speaking evil of God; also, the act of claiming the attributes or prerogatives of deity.

☞ When used generally in statutes or at common law, blasphemy is the use of irreverent words or signs in reference to the Supreme Being in such a way as to produce scandal or provoke violence.

2. Figuratively, of things held in high honor: Calumny; abuse; vilification.

Punished for his blasphemy against learning.

Bacon.