Etymology

Adjective

1. Worthy of, or causing, abhorrence, as a thing of evil omen; odious in the utmost degree; very hateful; detestable; loathsome; execrable.
2. Excessive; large; -- used as an intensive.

   Note: Juliana Berners ... informs us that in her time (15th century), "abomynable syght of monkes" was elegant English for "a large company of friars". - George Perkins Marsh

3. Very bad or inferior.

Adjective

1. Absolutely loathsome; abominable.
2. Exceedingly bad or ugly; abominable.

Synonyms

• Most terms of the second category also have literal meanings closer to that of the first, but are now less common in these uses, as well as marking actions that are not as markedly odious. odieux, méprisable, ignoble , sacrilège , impi laid, détestable, exécrable, horrible