Part 257

In*nix"ion (?), n. [See Innitency.] Act of leaning upon something; incumbency. [Obs.] Derham.

Inn"keep`er (?), n. An innholder.

In"no*cence (?), n. [F. innocence, L. innocentia. See Innocent.] 1. The state or quality of being innocent; freedom from that which is harmful or infurious; harmlessness.

2. The state or quality of being morally free from guilt or sin; purity of heart; blamelessness.

The silence often of pure innocence Persuades when speaking fails.

Shak.

Banished from man's life his happiest life, Simplicity and spotless innocence!

Milton.

3. The state or quality of being not chargeable for, or guilty of, a particular crime or offense; as, the innocence of the prisoner was clearly shown.

4. Simplicity or plainness, bordering on weakness or silliness; artlessness; ingenuousness. Chaucer. Shak.

Syn. -- Harmlessness; innocuousness; blamelessness; purity; sinlessness; guiltlessness.

In"no*cen*cy (?), n. Innocence.

In"no*cent (?), a. [F. innocent, L. innocens, -entis; pref. in- not + nocens, p. pr. of nocere to harm, hurt. See Noxious.] 1. Not harmful; free from that which can injure; innoxious; innocuous; harmless; as, an innocent medicine or remedy.

The spear Sung innocent, and spent its force in air.

Pope.

2. Morally free from guilt; guiltless; not tainted with sin; pure; upright.

To offer up a weak, poor, innocent lamb.

Shak.

I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.

Matt. xxvii. 4.

The aidless, innocent lady, his wished prey.

Milton.

3. Free from the guilt of a particular crime or offense; as, a man is innocent of the crime charged.

Innocent from the great transgression.

Ps. xix. 13.

4. Simple; artless; foolish. Shak.

5. Lawful; permitted; as, an innocent trade.

6. Not contraband; not subject to forfeiture; as, innocent goods carried to a belligerent nation.