O.E. læwede "nonclerical," of uncertain origin but probably ult. from V.L. *laigo-, from L. laicus (see lay (adj.)). Sense of "unlettered, uneducated" (1225) descended to "coarse, vile, lustful" by 1386.
Main Entry: lewd Pronunciation: 'lüd Function: adjective : involving or being sexual conduct that is considered indecent or offensive :LICENTIOUSlewd and lascivious assault upon a child —National Law Journal> —lewd·lyadverb —lewd·nessnoun