Middle English Dictionary Entry
viciǒusnes(se n.
Entry Info
| Forms | viciǒusnes(se n. ?Pl. viciousnesse. |
| Etymology | From viciǒus adj. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Addiction to or practice of vices, inclination to immorality; ?also, pl. displays of immorality, moral failings [last quot.].
Associated quotations
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)510 : Vycyowsnesse: Viciositas.
- c1450 Metham Palm.(Gar 141)112/28 : Schort naylys, narwgh and smale, betokyn vycyusnes [vr. vyciousnes].
- a1475(a1456) Shirley Death Jas.(Add 5467)5 : The duke of Roseye…wexe full of viciousness yn his lyvyng, as yn dispusellyng and defowlyng of yong madyns and yn brekyng the ordire of weddelok.
- c1475 Body Pol.(Cmb Kk.1.5)115/20 : The strengthes and the grete courages of the vertuous men for their worchipfull dedis wer gretly worchipped, And the viciousnesse of the vnworthy men haue ben dispreysed and blamed.