Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A weakening or loosening; a failing; decay; downfall; ruin.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Then collecting himself as it were, to give a heavy stroke: 'There is in it such a labefactation of all principles, as may be injurious to morality.'

    Life Of Johnson Boswell, James, 1740-1795 1887

  • Then collecting himself as it were, to give a heavy stroke: 'There is in it such a _labefactation_ of all principles, as may be injurious to morality.'

    Life of Johnson, Volume 2 1765-1776 James Boswell 1767

  • “there is in it,” he said, “such a labefactation of all principles as may he dangerous to morality.”

    Samuel Johnson Leslie, Stephen 1878

  • "such a _labefactation_ of all principles as may he dangerous to morality."

    Samuel Johnson Leslie Stephen 1868

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  • Used by Samuel Johnson of Gay' "Beggar's Opera," according to James Boswell's "Life of Samuel Johnson."

    February 20, 2012