Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for VILE
VILE, a. [L. vilis; Fr. and Sp. vil; It. vile; Gr. φαυλος.]
- Base; mean; worthless; despicable. The inhabitants account gold a vile thing. – Abbot. A man in vile raiment. – James ii. Wherefore are we counted as beasts, and reputed as vile in your sights? – Job xviii.
- Morally base or impure; sinful; depraved by sin; wicked; hateful in the sight of God and of good men. The sons of Eli made themselves vile. – 1 Sam. iii. Behold I am vile; what shall I answer? – Job xl.
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