Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Notorious \No*to"ri*ous\, a. [L. notorius pointing out, making
   known, fr. noscere, notum, to known: cf. F. notoire. See
   {Know}.]
   Generally known and talked of by the public; universally
   believed to be true; manifest to the world; evident; --
   usually in an unfavorable sense; as, a notorious thief; a
   notorious crime or vice.

         Your goodness, Since you provoke me, shall be most
         notorious.                               --Shak.

   Syn: Distinguished; remarkable; conspicuous; celebrated;
        noted; famous; renowned.

Source : WordNet®

notorious
     adj : having an exceedingly bad reputation; "a notorious
           gangster"; "the tenderloin district was notorious for
           vice" [syn: {ill-famed}, {infamous}]