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Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

;

pl.

Enormities

(#)

[L.

enormitas

, fr.

enormis

enormous: cf. F.

énormité

. See

The state or quality of exceeding a measure or rule, or of being immoderate, monstrous, or outrageous.

The

enormity

of his learned acquisitions.

De Quincey.

That which is enormous; especially, an exceeding offense against order, right, or decency; an atrocious crime; flagitious villainy; an atrocity.

These clamorous

enormities

which are grown too big and strong for law or shame.

South.

Noun.

[L. enormitas. See Enormous.]

Literally, the transgression of a rule, or deviation from right. Hence, any wrong, irregular, vicious or sinful act, either in government or morals.

We shall speak of the enormities of the government.

This law will not restrain the enormity.

Atrocious crime; flagitious villainy; a crime which exceeds the common measure.

Atrociousness; excessive degree of crime or guilt. Punishment should be proportioned to the enormity of the crime.