Blas"phe*my (?), n. [L. blasphemia,
Gr. ?: cf. OF. blasphemie.] 1. An
indignity offered to God in words, writing, or signs; impiously irreverent
words or signs addressed to, or used in reference to, God; speaking evil of
God; also, the act of claiming the attributes or prerogatives of
deity.
☞ When used generally in statutes or at common law,
blasphemy is the use of irreverent words or signs in reference to
the Supreme Being in such a way as to produce scandal or provoke
violence.
2. Figuratively, of things held in high honor:
Calumny; abuse; vilification.
Punished for his blasphemy against learning.
Bacon.