E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Lib’ertines.
A sect of heretics in Holland, led by Quinton a factor, and Copin. They maintained that nothing is sinful but to those who think it sinful, and that perfect innocence is to live without doubt.
1
By a “libertine” is now generally meant a profligate, or one who puts no restraint on his personal indulgence.
2
“A libertine, in earlier use, was a speculative free-thinker in matters of religion and in the theory of morals … but [it has come] to signify a profligate.”—Trench: On the Study of Words, lecture iii. p. 90.
By a “libertine” is now generally meant a profligate, or one who puts no restraint on his personal indulgence.
