\Pros`ti*tu"tion\, n. [L. prostitutio: cf. F.
prostitution.]
1. The act or practice of prostituting or offering the body
   to an indiscriminate intercourse with men; common lewdness
   of a woman.

2. The act of setting one's self to sale, or of devoting to
   infamous purposes what is in one's power; as, the
   prostitution of abilities; the prostitution of the press.
   ``Mental prostitution.'' --Byron.