Both Uses of
profane
in
Romeo and Juliet
- Rebellious subjects, enemies to peace,
Profaners of this neighbour-stained steel,p. 12.2profaners = people who treat without proper reverence
- [Romeo taking Juliet's hand]
If I profane with my unworthiest hand
This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this:
My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand
To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.p. 56.5 *profane = treat without proper reverence
Definitions:
-
(1)
(profane as in: don't be profane) showing no respect for something thought of as sacred
-
(2)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) Much more rarely profane may mean that something is not sacred or concerned with religion; or that it is not holy because it is unconsecrated, impure or defiled. As a verb it can mean to spoil something considered holy by using it in a degrading or unworthy way.