from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Vicious \Vi"cious\, a. [OF. vicious, F. vicieux, fr. L.
vitiosus, fr. vitium vice. See {Vice} a fault.]
1. Characterized by vice or defects; defective; faulty;
imperfect.
[1913 Webster]
Though I perchance am vicious in my guess. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
The title of these lords was vicious in its origin.
--Burke.
[1913 Webster]
A charge against Bentley of vicious reasoning. --De
Quincey.
[1913 Webster]
2. Addicted to vice; corrupt in principles or conduct;
depraved; wicked; as, vicious children; vicious examples;
vicious conduct.
[1913 Webster]
Who . . . heard this heavy curse,
Servant of servants, on his vicious race. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
3. Wanting purity; foul; bad; noxious; as, vicious air,
water, etc. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
4. Not correct or pure; corrupt; as, vicious language;
vicious idioms.
[1913 Webster]
5. Not well tamed or broken; given to bad tricks; unruly;
refractory; as, a vicious horse.
[1913 Webster]
6. Bitter; spiteful; malignant. [Colloq.]
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Corrupt; faulty; wicked; depraved.
[1913 Webster] -- {Vi"cious*ly}, adv. --
{Vi"cious*ness}, n.
[1913 Webster]