Emily Dickinson Lexicon

LAV'ISH, a. [I know not from what source we have received this word. It coincides in elements with L. liber, free, liberal, and L. lavo, to wash.]

1. Prodigal; expending or bestowing with profusion; profuse. He was lavish of expense; lavish of praise; lavish of encomiums; lavish of censure; lavish of blood and treasure.
2. Wasteful; expending without necessity; liberal to a fault. – Dryden.
3. Wild; unrestrained. Curbing his lavish spirit. – Shak.