from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Obscene \Ob*scene"\, a. [L. obscenus, obscaenus, obscoenus, ill
looking, filthy, obscene: cf. F. obsc['e]ne.]
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1. Offensive to chastity or modesty; expressing or presenting
to the mind or view something which delicacy, purity, and
decency forbid to be exposed; impure; as, obscene
language; obscene pictures.
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Words that were once chaste, by frequent use grew
obscene and uncleanly. --I. Watts.
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2. Foul; fifthy; disgusting.
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A girdle foul with grease binds his obscene attire.
--Dryden
(Aeneid, vi.
417).
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3. Inauspicious; ill-omened. [R.] [A Latinism]
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At the cheerful light,
The groaning ghosts and birds obscene take flight.
--Dryden.
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Syn: Impure; immodest; indecent; unchaste; lewd.
[1913 Webster] -- {Ob*scene"ly}, adv. --
{Ob*scene"ness}, n.
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