Vil·lain·y n.; pl. Villainies [Written also villany.]
1. The quality or state of being a villain, or villainous; extreme depravity; atrocious wickedness; as, the villainy of the seducer. “Lucre of vilanye.”
The commendation is not in his wit, but in his villainy. --Shak.
2. Abusive, reproachful language; discourteous speech; foul talk. [Archaic]
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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