licit-, licen-, leis-
(Latin: to be allowed; permitted; unrestrained)
licentious (adjective), more licentious, most licentious
1. Pursuing desires aggressively and selfishly without being restricted by moral considerations: The comic hero in the operetta was a licentious character who always was condemned for his immoral behaviors.
2. Abandoned or unrestrained bad behavior that disregards generally acceptable norms of conduct: In the romantic novel of the 18th century, the licentious son of the landowner returned home feeling guilty and begging for the forgiveness of his father for his immoral actions.
2. Abandoned or unrestrained bad behavior that disregards generally acceptable norms of conduct: In the romantic novel of the 18th century, the licentious son of the landowner returned home feeling guilty and begging for the forgiveness of his father for his immoral actions.
licentiously (adverb), more licentiously, most licentiously
1. In an immoral manner; overwhelmed by passion and without control of physical desires: The country's ruler was so licentiously bad that there were violent reactions by the people against him.
2. With an excess of liberty; in contempt of law and integrity: The outlaws of the North American "wild west" frequently acted in a licentiously extravagant style, defying law and order whenever they wanted to do it.
2. With an excess of liberty; in contempt of law and integrity: The outlaws of the North American "wild west" frequently acted in a licentiously extravagant style, defying law and order whenever they wanted to do it.
The movie was so licentiously produced that it was closed down by the local authorities on its first presentation at the theater.
1. A condition of being lewd and unscrupulous: Some writers feel that if they include more licentiousness in their novels, they will sell more of their books because they think more people will be attracted to them.
2. Dissolute indulgence in sensual pleasures with reckless extravagance: The film censors are often troubled by the licentiousness which is portrayed in some movies.
2. Dissolute indulgence in sensual pleasures with reckless extravagance: The film censors are often troubled by the licentiousness which is portrayed in some movies.
licit (adjective), more licit, most licit
Authorized, sanctioned by, or in accordance with the law; legal: Judge Thompson acted in the most licit way when she approved of the publication of the transcript of the murder trial.
Taking TV pictures was not forbidden and so it was declared a licit part of the trial of Larry, who said he thought he was shooting at an intruder through the door of his bathroom.
licitly (adverb), more licitly, most licitly
1. In a manner acceptable to common customs or procedures: The leader of the government acted in a licitly correct manner by discussing the plans for alternative energy sources.
2. Legally, in an established procedure that is compatible with the law: The police officer acted in a licitly proper procedure when she stopped the speeding motorist and gave him a ticket.
2. Legally, in an established procedure that is compatible with the law: The police officer acted in a licitly proper procedure when she stopped the speeding motorist and gave him a ticket.
1. The quality of strictly conforming to law: The licitness of the leader of the government party was greatly admired by the media and generally by the citizens of his district.
2. Lawfulness; permitted by law: The licitness of the adoption of their son by the couple was confirmed by his biological parents.
2. Lawfulness; permitted by law: The licitness of the adoption of their son by the couple was confirmed by his biological parents.
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