crim·i·nous \ˈkrimənəs\adjective Etymology: Middle French crimineux, from Medieval Latin criminosus, from Latin, reproachful, slanderous, from crimin-, crimen crime + -osus -ous 1. a.obsolete: deserving punishment : criminal b.: guilty of crime < criminous clerks > 2.: concerned with crime < an hysterical criminous tale > < the author's criminous reputation — Anthony Boucher >