n. [ F. innocence, L. innocentia. See Innocent. ] 1. The state or quality of being innocent; freedom from that which is harmful or infurious; harmlessness. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The state or quality of being morally free from guilt or sin; purity of heart; blamelessness. [ 1913 Webster ]
The silence often of pure innocence
Persuades when speaking fails. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
Banished from man's life his happiest life,
Simplicity and spotless innocence! Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. The state or quality of being not chargeable for, or guilty of, a particular crime or offense; as, the innocence of the prisoner was clearly shown. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. Simplicity or plainness, bordering on weakness or silliness; artlessness; ingenuousness. Chaucer. Shak.
Syn. -- Harmlessness; innocuousness; blamelessness; purity; sinlessness; guiltlessness. [ 1913 Webster ]