distain

[ dih-steyn ]

verb (used with object)Archaic.
  1. to discolor; stain; sully.

Origin of distain

1
1350–1400; Middle English desteignen<Anglo-French, Middle French desteign-, stem of desteindre, equivalent to des-dis-1 + teindre<Latin tingere to dye, tinge

Words Nearby distain

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use distain in a sentence

  • "All's the better for them to hide in," the old woman was continuing, her face a brazen mixture of distain and contempt.

    The Land of Look Behind | Paul Cameron Brown
  • So 1684; but 'Disdain'd' may be a misprint for 'distain'd' (outshone).

  • To pardon or parley with rebels he thought would distain his honour.

    Henry VIII. | A. F. Pollard