Ob*scen"i*ty (?), n.; pl. Obscenities (#). [L. obscentias: cf.F. obsc'enit'e.]

That quality in words or things which presents what is offensive to chasity or purity of mind; obscene or impure lanquage or acts; moral impurity; lewdness; obsceneness; as, the obscenity of a speech, or a picture.

Mr.Cowley asserts plainly, that obscenity has no place in wit. Dryden.

No pardon vile obscenity should find. Pope.

 

© Webster 1913.