VICE

n. 1 a evil or grossly immoral conduct. b a particular form of this, esp. involving prostitution, drugs, etc. 2 a depravity, evil. b an evil habit; a particular form of depravity (has the vice of gluttony). 3 a defect of character or behaviour (drunkenness was not among his vices). 4 a fault or bad habit in a horse etc. øvice ring a group of criminals involved in organizing illegal prostitution. vice squad a police department enforcing laws against prostitution, drug abuse, etc. øøviceless adj. [ME f. OF f. L vitium]