VICIOUS

a.

6 definitions — Webster’s Dictionary (1828)


1.
a.

Characterized by vice or defects; defective; faulty; imperfect. Though I perchance am vicious in my guess. Shak. The title of these lords was vicious in its origin. Burke. A charge against Bentley of vicious reasoning. De Quincey.

2.
a.

Addicted to vice; corrupt in principles or conduct; depraved; wicked; as, vicious children; vicious examples; vicious conduct. Who . . . heard this heavy curse, Servant of servants, on his vicious race. Milton.

3.
a.

Wanting purity; foul; bad; noxious; as, vicious air, water, etc. Dryden.

4.
a.

Not correct or pure; corrupt; as, vicious language; vicious idioms.

5.
a.

Not well tamed or broken; given to bad tricks; unruly; refractory; as, a vicious horse.

6.
a.

Bitter; spiteful; malignant. [Colloq.]


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