Emily Dickinson Lexicon

IN-DE'CEN-CY, n. [Fr. indecence; It. indecenza; L. indecens, indeceo; in and deceo, to become.]

That which is unbecoming in language or manners; any action or behavior which is deemed a violation of modesty, or an offense to delicacy, as rude or wanton actions, obscene language, and whatever tends to excite a blush in a spectator. Extreme assurance or impudence may also be deemed indecency of behavior toward superiors. [See Indecorum.]