Dictionary entry

Lust

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Lust (?), n. [AS. lust, lust, pleasure, longing; akin to OS., D., G., & Sw. lust, Dan. & Icel. lyst, Goth lustus, and perh. tom Skr. lush to desire, or to E. loose. Cf. List to please, Listless.] 1. Pleasure. “ Lust and jollity.” Chaucer.

2. Inclination; desire.

For little lust had she to talk of aught. Spenser.

My lust to devotion is little. Bp. Hall.

3. Longing desire; eagerness to possess or enjoy; — in a had sense; as, the lust of gain.

The lust of reigning. Milton.

4. Licentious craving; sexual appetite. Milton.

5. Hence: Virility; vigor; active power. Bacon.