Avilement

/əˈvaɪlmənt/ noun

Definition

Archaic term meaning the act of making something vile or the state of being made contemptible or degraded.

Etymology

From Old French avilir (to debase) + -ment (noun suffix), derived from Latin vilis. The suffix -ment converts verbs into abstract nouns describing actions or conditions.

Kelly Says

Medieval English loved adding -ment to verbs to create nouns, and 'avilement' captures that era's focus on moral degradation and shame as serious social matters, not just personal feelings.

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