Pros"ti*tute (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prostituted (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Prostituting.] [L. prostitutus, p. p. of prostituere to prostitute; pro before, forth + statuere to put, place. See Statute.]
1.
To offer, as a woman, to a lewd use; to give up to lewdness for hire.
"Do not
prostitute thy daughter."
Lev. xix. 29.
2.
To devote to base or unworthy purposes; to give up to low or indiscriminate use; as, to prostitute talents; to prostitute official powers.
Milton.
© Webster 1913.
Pros"ti*tute, a. [L. prostitutus, p. p.]
Openly given up to lewdness; devoted to base or infamous purposes.
Made bold by want, and prostitute for bread.
Prior
© Webster 1913.
Pros"ti*tute, n. [L. prostituta.]
1.
A woman giver to indiscriminate lewdness; a strumpet; a harlot.
2.
A base hireling; a mercenary; one who offers himself to infamous employments for hire.
No hireling she, no prostitute to praise.
Pope.
© Webster 1913.