debauching

1 definition found

debauching - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Debauch \De*bauch"\, v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. Debauched; p.
     pr. & vb. n. Debauching.] [F. d['e]baucher, prob.
     originally, to entice away from the workshop; pref. d['e]-
     (L. dis- or de) + OF. bauche, bauge, hut, cf. F. bauge lair
     of a wild boar; prob. from G. or Icel., cf. Icel. b[=a]lkr.
     See Balk, n.]
     To lead away from purity or excellence; to corrupt in
     character or principles; to mar; to vitiate; to pollute; to
     seduce; as, to debauch one's self by intemperance; to debauch
     a woman; to debauch an army.
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           Learning not debauched by ambition.      --Burke.
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           A man must have got his conscience thoroughly debauched
           and hardened before he can arrive to the height of sin.
                                                    --South.
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           Her pride debauched her judgment and her eyes.
                                                    --Cowley.
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