In"fa*mous (?), a. [Pref. in- not + famous: cf. L. infamis. See Infamy.]

1.

Of very bad report; having a reputation of the worst kind; held in abhorrence; guilty of something that exposes to infamy; base; notoriously vile; detestable; as, an infamous traitor; an infamous perjurer.

False errant knight, infamous, and forsworn. Spenser.

2.

Causing or producing infamy; deserving detestation; scandalous to the last degree; as, an infamous act; infamous vices; infamous corruption.

Macaulay.

3. Law

Branded with infamy by conviction of a crime; as, at common law, an infamous person can not be a witness.

4.

Having a bad name as being the place where an odious crime was committed, or as being associated with something detestable; hence, unlucky; perilous; dangerous.

"Infamous woods."

P. Fletcher.

Infamous hills, and sandy perilous wilds. Milton.

The piny shade More infamous by cursed Lycaon made. Dryden.

Syn. -- Detestable; odious; scandalous; disgraceful; base; vile; shameful; ignominious.

 

© Webster 1913.

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