[atro.cious] adj [L atroc-, atrox gloomy, atrocious, fr. atr-, ater black + -oc-, -ox (akin to Gk ops eye)--more at eye] (1669) 1: extremely wicked, brutal, or cruel: barbaric
2: appalling, horrifying "the ~ weapons of modern war" 3 a: utterly revolting: abominable "~ working conditions" b: of very poor quality "~ handwriting" -- atro.cious.ly adv -- atro.cious.ness n