adj.
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English prophane, from Middle French, from Latin profanus, from pro- before + fanum temple ― more at PRO- , FEAST
Date: 15th century
1 : not concerned with religion or religious purposes : SECULAR
2 : not holy because unconsecrated, impure, or defiled : UNSANCTIFIED
3 a : serving to debase or defile what is holy : IRREVERENT b : OBSCENE , VULGAR
4 a : not being among the initiated b : not possessing esoteric or expert knowledge
– pro · fane · ly adverb
– pro · fane · ness \ - ' f ā n-n ə s \ noun