libertinage

Libertinage, or libertinism, is a French term describing a social and cultural attitude characterized by freedom from conventional religious and moral constraints, particularly in matters of belief and sexuality. The term derives from libertin, from Latin libertinus, originally meaning a freeman and later used to describe someone who lives with moral independence from established authority.

Historically, libertinage is most closely associated with early modern France, roughly the 17th and 18th centuries. It referred to a milieu in which skepticism toward church authority, secular philosophy, and a predilection for personal pleasure were prominent. The libertine circles included writers, poets, and salons—Ninon de Lenclos being among the best known promoters of a culture of wit, tolerance, and sexual liberty. Libertine literature and drama often explored themes of desire, doubt, and social critique and frequently ran afoul of censorship and clerical powers.

In broader terms, the term may also be used to denote any stance that emphasizes personal autonomy and moral relativism over traditional norms. In contemporary usage, libertinage can be descriptive or pejorative depending on the context.