obscenity Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the trait of behaving in an obscene manner
    salaciousness; salacity; bawdiness; lewdness.
  2. noun an offensive or indecent word or phrase
    smut; filth; dirty word; vulgarism.
  3. noun an obscene act

WordNet

Ob*scen"i*ty noun
Etymology
L. obscentias: cf.F. obscénité.
Wordforms
plural Obscenities
Definitions
  1. That quality in words or things which presents what is offensive to chasity or purity of mind; obscene or impure lanquage or acts; moral impurity; lewdness; obsceneness; as, the obscenity of a speech, or a picture.
    Mr.Cowley asserts plainly, that obscenity has no place in wit. Dryden.
    No pardon vile obscenity should find. Pope.

Webster 1913