Innocence \In"no*cence\, n. [F. innocence, L. innocentia. See
   {Innocent}.]
   1. The state or quality of being innocent; freedom from that
      which is harmful or infurious; harmlessness.
      
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   2. The state or quality of being morally free from guilt or
      sin; purity of heart; blamelessness.
      
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            The silence often of pure innocence
            Persuades when speaking fails.        --Shak.
      
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            Banished from man's life his happiest life,
            Simplicity and spotless innocence!    --Milton.
      
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   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.
      
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   4. Simplicity or plainness, bordering on weakness or
      silliness; artlessness; ingenuousness. --Chaucer. Shak.

   Syn: Harmlessness; innocuousness; blamelessness; purity;
        sinlessness; guiltlessness.
        
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