1 definition found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Villainy \Vil"lain*y\, n.; pl {Villainies}. [OE. vilanie OF
vilanie vilainie vileinie vilanie LL villania See
{Villain}, n.] [Written also {villany}.]
1. The quality or state of being a villain, or villainous;
extreme depravity; atrocious wickedness; as the villainy
of the seducer. ``Lucre of vilanye.'' --Chaucer.
The commendation is not in his wit, but in his
villainy. --Shak.
2. Abusive, reproachful language; discourteous speech; foul
talk. [Archaic]
He never yet not vileinye ne said In all his life,
unto no manner wight. --Chaucer.
In our modern language, it [foul language] is termed
villainy, as being proper for rustic boors, or men
of coarsest education and employment. --Barrow.
Villainy till a very late day expressed words foul
and disgraceful to the utterer much oftener than
deeds. --Trench.
3. The act of a villain; a deed of deep depravity; a crime.
Such villainies roused Horace into wrath. --Dryden.
That execrable sum of all villainies commonly called
a slave trade --John Wesley.
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