Dictionary entry

Enormity

Webster's Dictionary 1913

E‐nor″mi‐ty (?), n.; pl.Enormities (#). [L. enormitas, fr. enormis enormous: cf. F. énormité. See Enormous.] 1. The state or quality of exceeding a measure or rule, or of being immoderate, monstrous, or outrageous.

The enormity of his learned acquisitions. De Quincey.

2. That which is enormous; especially, an exceeding offense against order, right, or decency; an atrocious crime; flagitious villainy; an atrocity.

These clamorous enormities which are grown too big and strong for law or shame. South.