Dictionary entry

Licentious

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Li‐cen″tious (–shŭs), a. [L. licentiosus: cf. F. licencieux. See License.] 1. Characterized by license; passing due bounds; excessive; abusive of freedom; wantonly offensive; as, a licentious press.

A wit that no licentious pertness knows. Savage.

2. Unrestrained by law or morality; lawless; immoral; dissolute; lewd; lascivious; as, a licentious man; a licentious life. “Licentious wickedness.” Shak.

Syn. — Unrestrained; uncurbed; uncontrolled; unruly; riotous; ungovernable; wanton; profligate; dissolute; lax; loose; sensual; impure; unchaste; lascivious; immoral.

— Li‐cen″tious‐ly, adv. — Li‐cen″tious‐ness, n.