Villainy

Definition of Villainy

Vil´lain`y

n.	1.	The quality or state of being a villain, or villainous; extreme depravity; atrocious wickedness; as, the villainy of the seducer. The commendation is not in his wit, but in his villainy. - Shak.
	2.	Abusive, reproachful language; discourteous speech; foul talk. 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.

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