Lechery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐น
lechery
[หlษtสษri ]
Definition
excessive indulgence
Lechery refers to excessive or inappropriate sexual desire or behavior. It implies a tendency to indulge in lustful acts or thoughts, often in a way that is considered immoral or indecent.
Synonyms
debauchery, licentiousness, lust, salacity, sensuality.
Examples of usage
- The novel explores themes of lechery among the aristocracy.
- He was accused of lechery by his peers.
- Her lechery became a topic of scandal in their social circle.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales', lechery is portrayed through various characters who embody lust and desire.
- Shakespeare often included characters representing lechery, particularly in plays like 'The Merry Wives of Windsor', where it serves as a comedic element.
Psychology
- Lust is often seen as a basic human impulse, but constant preoccupation with sexual thoughts can affect mental health.
- Individuals exhibiting lecherous behavior might be struggling with self-control, often influenced by societal norms and personal experiences.
Pop Culture
- Lechery appears frequently in films and books as a character flaw, often leading to comedy or drama, showcasing the consequences of excessive desire.
- The concept is addressed in music, with songs sometimes exploring themes of lust and the chaos it can create in relationships.
Origin of 'lechery'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'lecher', which means 'to lick', suggesting an excessive craving.
- It traces back to the Latin verb 'licere', meaning 'to be allowed', hinting at desires that often cross boundaries.
The word 'lechery' originates from the Middle English 'lecherie', which comes from the Old French 'lecherie', based on the term 'lecher' meaning 'one who lusts'. This, in turn, is derived from the Latin 'lascivus', meaning 'wanton' or 'lewd', and is related to the Latin verb 'lacere', meaning 'to entice' or 'to seduce'. Over the centuries, lechery has carried connotations of extreme sensuality that often extends beyond mere desire into realms of moral decay and social disapproval. Its usage has persisted through literature and societal discourse to describe not just the act itself, but the implications of such behavior on reputation and character. As societal values regarding sexual conduct have evolved, the term remains a potent descriptor of a type of indulgence viewed negatively by many cultures.