Prof"li*gate (?), a. [L. profligatus, p. p. of profligare to strike or dash to the ground, to destroy; pro before + a word akin to fligere to strike. See Afflict.]

1.

Overthrown; beaten; conquered.

[Obs.]

The foe is profligate, and run. Hudibras.

2.

Broken down in respect of rectitude, principle, virtue, or decency; openly and shamelessly immoral or vicious; dissolute; as, profligate man or wretch.

A race more profligate than we. Roscommon.

Made prostitute and profligate muse. Dryden.

Syn. -- Abandoned; corrupt; dissolute; vitiated; depraved; vicious; wicked. See Abandoned.

 

© Webster 1913.


Prof"li*gate, n.

An abandoned person; one openly and shamelessly vicious; a dissolute person.

"Such a profligate as Antony."

Swift.

 

© Webster 1913.


Prof"li*gate (?), v. t.

To drive away; to overcome.

[A Latinism] [Obs.]

Harvey.

 

© Webster 1913.

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