In"fa*mous (?), a. [Pref. in-
not + famous: cf. L. infamis. See Infamy.]
1. Of very bad report; having a reputation of
the worst kind; held in abhorrence; guilty of something that exposes
to infamy; base; notoriously vile; detestable; as, an infamous
traitor; an infamous perjurer.
False errant knight, infamous, and
forsworn.
Spenser.
2. Causing or producing infamy; deserving
detestation; scandalous to the last degree; as, an infamous
act; infamous vices; infamous corruption.
Macaulay.
3. (Law) Branded with infamy by
conviction of a crime; as, at common law, an infamous person
can not be a witness.
4. Having a bad name as being the place where
an odious crime was committed, or as being associated with something
detestable; hence, unlucky; perilous; dangerous.
"Infamous woods." P. Fletcher.
Infamous hills, and sandy perilous
wilds.
Milton.
The piny shade
More infamous by cursed Lycaon made.
Dryden.
Syn. -- Detestable; odious; scandalous; disgraceful; base;
vile; shameful; ignominious.
