In*fec"tious (?), a. [Cf. F.
infectieux.]
1. Having qualities that may infect;
communicable or caused by infection; pestilential; epidemic; as, an
infectious fever; infectious clothing;
infectious air; infectious vices.
Where the infectious pestilence.
Shak.
2. Corrupting, or tending to corrupt or
contaminate; vitiating; demoralizing.
It [the court] is necessary for the polishing of
manners . . . but it is infectious even to the best morals to
live always in it.
Dryden.
3. (Law) Contaminating with
illegality; exposing to seizure and forfeiture.
Contraband articles are said to be of an
infectious nature.
Kent.
4. Capable of being easily diffused or
spread; sympathetic; readily communicated; as, infectious
mirth.
The laughter was so genuine as to be
infectious.
W. Black.
Syn. -- See Contagious.
