prostitution

[Fr., from Latin prostitu tionem, acc us, of prostitutio, from prost i tutus, pa. par. of prostituo =to prostitute (q. v.); Sp. prostitu cion; Ital. prostituzione.] 1. The act or practice of prostituting or giving one's self up to indiscriminate lewdne for hire; harlotry; the life or habits of a prostitute. 2. The act of employing for base or unworthy purposes for hire.