Sin1, n.
n. [A-S. synn, syn, sin, Icel., Sw., & Dan. synd, L. Ger. sünne, sinn, O. D. sunde, N. D. zonde, O. Sax. sundia, O. H. Ger. suntia, suntu, N. H. Ger. sünde.]
Sense 1. Transgression of the law of God; disobedience of the divine command; any violation of God’s will, either in purpose or conduct; moral deficiency in the character; iniquity.
I think it no sin to cozen him. Shak.
Inthralled By sin to foul exorbitant desires. Milton.
Signa, or Sinna, is the consort of Loke; and from this name the English word sin is derived. Encyc. Brit.
Sin is spoken of, in theology, as original or actual. Actual sin is the act of a moral agent in violating a known rule of duty. Original sin, as generally understood, is native depravity of heart, that want of conformity of heart to the divine will, that corruption of nature, or deterioration of the moral character of man, which is supposed to be the effect of Adam’s apostasy, and which manifests itself in moral agents by positive acts of disobedience to the divine will.
Sense 2. A sin-offering; an offering made to atone for sin; a sacrifice for sin.
He hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin. 2 Cor. v. 21.
Sense 3. A very wicked man. [Rare.]
Thy ambition Thou scarlet sin, robbed this bewailing land Of noble Buckingham. Shak.
Sin is used in the formation of some compound words of very obvious signification; as, sin-born, sin-bred, sin-oppressed, sin-polluted, sin-stung, sin-worn, and the like.
Deadly or mortal sins (Rom. Cath. Church), willful and deliberate transgressions, which take away divine grace;—in distinction from venial sins. The seven deadly sins are murder, lust, covetousness, gluttony, pride, envy, and idleness.
Synonyms—Crime; iniquity; wickedness; wrong. See CRIME.