Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Obscene
Ob-scene′
,Adj.
[L.
obscenus
, obscaenus
, obscoenus
, ill looking, filthy, obscene: cf. F. obscéne
.] 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.Words that were once chaste, by frequent use grew
obscene
and uncleanly. I. Watts.
2.
Foul; fifthy; disgusting.
A girdle foul with grease binds his
obscene
attire. Dryden (Aeneid, vi. 417).
3.
Inauspicious; ill-omened.
[R.]
[A Latinism]
At the cheerful light,
The groaning ghosts and birds
The groaning ghosts and birds
obscene
take flight. Dryden.
Syn. – Impure; immodest; indecent; unchaste; lewd.
– Ob-scene′ly
, adv.
Ob-scene′ness
, Noun.
Webster 1828 Edition
Obscene
OBSCE'NE
,Adj.
1.
Offensive to chastity and delicacy; impure; expressing or presenting to the mind or view something which delicacy, purity and decency forbid; to be exposed; as obscene language; obscene pictures.2.
Foul; filthy; offensive; disgusting.A girdle foul with grease binds his obscene attire.
3.
Inauspicious; ill omened.At the cheerful light, the groaning ghosts and birds obscene take flight.