verb (used with object)
1.
Law. to condemn by a sentence or a bill or act of attainder.
2.
to disgrace.
3.
Archaic. to accuse.
4.
Obsolete. to prove the guilt of.
noun
5.
Obsolete. a stain; disgrace; taint.
00:10
Attaint
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is bowdlerise. Does it mean:
| to expurgate (a written work) by removing or modifying passages considered vulgar or objectionable. |
| to flee; abscond: |
Origin:
1250–1300; Middle English ataynte, derivative of ataynt convicted < Anglo-French, Old French, past participle of ataindre to convict, attain
1250–1300; Middle English ataynte, derivative of ataynt convicted < Anglo-French, Old French, past participle of ataindre to convict, attain
Related forms
un·at·taint·ed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To attaint
Collins
World English Dictionary
attaint (əˈteɪnt) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb | |
| 1. | to pass judgment of death or outlawry upon (a person); condemn by bill of attainder |
| 2. | to dishonour or disgrace |
| 3. | to accuse or prove to be guilty |
| 4. | (of sickness) to affect or strike (somebody) |
| —n | |
| 5. | a less common word for attainder |
| 6. | a dishonour; taint |
| [C14: from Old French ateint convicted, from ateindre to | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
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