Emily Dickinson Lexicon

IN'FA-MOUS-NESS, or IN'FA-MY, n. [Fr. infamie; L. infamia; in and fama, report.]

1. Total loss of reputation; public disgrace. Avoid the crimes and vices which expose men to infamy.
2. Qualities which are detested and despised; qualities notoriously bad and scandalous; as, the infamy of an action.
3. In law, that loss of character or public disgrace which a convict incurs, and by which a person is rendered incapable of being a witness or juror. Encyc.