from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Obscenity \Ob*scen"i*ty\, n.; pl. {Obscenities}. [L. obscentias:
cf. F. obsc['e]nit['e].]
That quality in words or things which presents what is
offensive to chastity or purity of mind; obscene or impure
lanquage or acts; moral impurity; lewdness; obsceneness; as,
the obscenity of a speech, or a picture.
[1913 Webster]
Mr. Cowley asserts plainly, that obscenity has no place
in wit. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
No pardon vile obscenity should find. --Pope.
[1913 Webster]