Blas"phe*my (?), n. [L. blasphemia, Gr. : cf. OF. blasphemie.]
1.
An indignity offered to God in words, writing, or signs; impiously irreverent words or signs addressed to, or used in reference to, God; speaking evil of God; also, the act of claiming the attributes or prerogatives of deity.
⇒ When used generally in statutes or at common law, blasphemy is the use of irreverent words or signs in reference to the Supreme Being in such a way as to produce scandal or provoke violence.
2.
Figuratively, of things held in high honor: Calumny; abuse; vilification.
Punished for his blasphemy against learning.
Bacon.
© Webster 1913.