WANTONNESS,
\wˈɒntənnəs], \wˈɒntənnəs], \w_ˈɒ_n_t_ə_n_n_ə_s]\
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Crim. law. A licentious act by one man towards the person of another without regard to his rights; as, for example, if a man should attempt to pull off another's hat against his will in order to expose him to ridicule, the offence would be an assault, and if he touched him it would amount to a battery. (q. v.)
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In such case there would be no malice, but the wantonness of the act would render the offending party liable to punishment.
By John Bouvier
