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. [ 1913 Webster ] The spear Sung innocent, and spent its force in air. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Morally free from guilt; guiltless; not tainted with sin; pure; upright. [ 1913 Webster ] To offer up a weak, poor, innocent lamb. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. Matt. xxvii. 4. [ 1913 Webster ] The aidless, innocent lady, his wished prey. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Free from the guilt of a particular crime or offense; as, a man is innocent of the crime charged. [ 1913 Webster ] Innocent from the great transgression. Ps. xix. 13. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Simple; artless; foolish. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Lawful; permitted; as, an innocent trade. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. Not contraband; not subject to forfeiture; as, innocent goods carried to a belligerent nation. [ 1913 Webster ] Innocent party (Law), a party who has not notice of a fact tainting a litigated transaction with illegality. Syn. -- Harmless; innoxious; innoffensive; guiltless; spotless; immaculate; pure; unblamable; blameless; faultless; guileless; upright. [ 1913 Webster ] |