a. [ Pref. in- not + famous: cf. L. infamis. See Infamy. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 1. Of very bad report; having a reputation of the worst kind; held in abhorrence; guilty of something that exposes to infamy; base; notoriously vile; detestable; as, an infamous traitor; an infamous perjurer. [ 1913 Webster ] False errant knight, infamous, and forsworn. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Causing or producing infamy; deserving detestation; scandalous to the last degree; as, an infamous act; infamous vices; infamous corruption. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Law) Branded with infamy by conviction of a crime; as, at common law, an infamous person can not be a witness. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Having a bad name as being the place where an odious crime was committed, or as being associated with something detestable; hence, unlucky; perilous; dangerous. “Infamous woods.” P. Fletcher. [ 1913 Webster ] Infamous hills, and sandy perilous wilds. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] The piny shade
More infamous by cursed Lycaon made. Dryden. Syn. -- Detestable; odious; scandalous; disgraceful; base; vile; shameful; ignominious. [ 1913 Webster ] | 