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prostitute

1. To offer, as a woman, to a lewd use; to give up to lewdness for hire. Do not prostitute thy daughter.

2. To devote to base or unworthy purposes; to give up to low or indiscriminate use; as, to prostitute talents; to prostitute official powers.

Origin: L. Prostitutus, p. P. Of prostituere to prostitute; pro before, forth _ statuere to put, place. See Statute.

1. A woman giver to indiscriminate lewdness; a strumpet; a harlot.

2. A base hireling; a mercenary; one who offers himself to infamous employments for hire. No hireling she, no prostitute to praise. (pope)

Origin: L. Prostituta.