Li*cen"tious (?), a. [L. licentiosus: cf. F. licencieux. See License.]

1.

Characterized by license; passing due bounds; excessive; abusive of freedom; wantonly offensive; as, a licentious press.

A wit that no licentious pertness knows. Savage.

2.

Unrestrained by law or morality; lawless; immoral; dissolute; lewd; lascivious; as, a licentious man; a licentious life.

"Licentious wickedness."

Shak.

Syn. -- Unrestrained; uncurbed; uncontrolled; unruly; riotous; ungovernable; wanton; profligate; dissolute; lax; loose; sensual; impure; unchaste; lascivious; immoral.

-- Li*cen"tious*ly, adv. -- Li*cen"tious*ness, n.

 

© Webster 1913.