crime against nature

noun phrase

: sodomy

Word History

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crime against nature was in 1683

Dictionary Entries Near crime against nature

crime against humanity

crime against nature

Crimean Gothic

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Cite this Entry

“Crime against nature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crime%20against%20nature. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.

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Legal Definition

crime against nature

: a sexual act (as of bestiality) that is regarded by the law as abnormal
also : the crime of committing such an act
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