1. One who has a license to exercise a profession; as, a licentiate in medicine or theology.
The college of physicians, in July, 1687, published an edict, requiring all the fellows, candidates, and
licentiates, to give gratuitous advice to the neighboring poor.
Johnson. 2. A friar authorized to receive confessions and grant absolution in all places, independently of the local
clergy. [Obs.] Chaucer.
3. One who acts without restraint, or takes a liberty, as if having a license therefor. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.
4. On the continent of Europe, a university degree intermediate between that of bachelor and that of
doctor.
Licentiate
(Li*cen"ti*ate) v. t. To give a license to. [Obs.] L'Estrange.
Licentious
(Li*cen"tious) a. [L. licentiosus: cf. F. licencieux. See License.]
1. Characterized by license; passing due bounds; excessive; abusive of freedom; wantonly offensive; as, a
licentious press.
A wit that no licentious pertness knows.
Savage. 2. Unrestrained by law or morality; lawless; immoral; dissolute; lewd; lascivious; as, a licentious man; a licentious
life. "Licentious wickedness." Shak.
Syn. — Unrestrained; uncurbed; uncontrolled; unruly; riotous; ungovernable; wanton; profligate; dissolute; lax; loose; sensual; impure; unchaste; lascivious; immoral.
— Li*cen"tious*ly, adv. — Li*cen"tious*ness, n.
