Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “lecherously” come from?

lecherously (English) comes from English lecherous, from Old French lecherous, from Old French licherie, from Old French lechier, from Vulgar Latin *liccāre, from Proto-West Germanic likkōn, from Proto-Germanic lekaną, from Proto-Indo-European leg- — to leak.

lecherously (English): In a lecherous manner, in the way of a lecher

Definitions

  1. In a lecherous manner, in the way of a lecher

Ancestry of “lecherously”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishlecherousGiven to excessive sexual activity and debauchery
2Old Frenchlecherous—
3Old Frenchlicheriegluttony, sensuality, lewdness, lechery
4Old Frenchlechier—
5Vulgar Latin*liccāre—
6Proto-West Germaniclikkōnto lick
7Proto-GermaniclekanąTo leak; seep; drip
8Proto-Indo-Europeanleg-to leak
Every word from Proto-Indo-European leg- →