'lewdness' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'lǣwede,' where 'lǣwede' meant 'unlearned or lay.'

'lǣwede' transformed into the Middle English word 'lewed,' and eventually became the modern English word 'lewd' and its noun form 'lewdness.'

Initially, it meant 'unlearned or lay,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'obscene or indecent.'