lavishness 1. Great abundance and profusion; as, lavishness of ornaments or expenditures. 2. Etymology: from Middle French lavasse, from Old French lavache, 'torrent (of rain), deluge', from laver, 'to wash'; from Latin lavare, 'to wash. Related 'wash' words: balneo-; clys-; luto-; plyno-. Found on http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/1157/2