GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 7 definitions

1.       
   Taint , n. [Cf. F. atteinte a blow, bit, stroke. See Attaint.]
   A thrust with a lance, which fails of its intended effect. [Obs.]
   1913 Webster
   This taint he followed with his sword drawn from a silver sheath.
   Chapman.
   
   1913 Webster
   An injury done to a lance in an encounter, without its being broken; also, a breaking of a lance in an encounter in a dishonorable or unscientific manner. [Obs.]
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2.       
   Taint, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Tainted ; p. pr. & vb. n. Tainting.] To thrust ineffectually with a lance. [Obs.]
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3.       
   Taint, v. t.
   To injure, as a lance, without breaking it; also, to break, as a lance, but usually in an unknightly or unscientific manner. [Obs.]
   1913 Webster
   Do not fear; I have
   A staff to taint, and bravely.
   Massinger.
   
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   To hit or touch lightly, in tilting. [Obs.]
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   They tainted each other on the helms and passed by.
   Ld. Berners.
   
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4.       
   Taint, v. t. [F. teint, p. p. of teindre to dye, tinge, fr. L. tingere, tinctum. See Tinge, and cf. Tint.]
   To imbue or impregnate with something extraneous, especially with something odious, noxious, or poisonous; hence, to corrupt; to infect; to poison; as, putrid substance taint the air.
   1913 Webster
   Fig.: To stain; to sully; to tarnish.
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   His unkindness may defeat my life,
   But never taint my love.
   Shak.
   
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   Syn. -- To contaminate; defile; pollute; corrupt; infect; disease; vitiate; poison.
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5.       
   Taint , v. i.
   To be infected or corrupted; to be touched with something corrupting.
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   I can not taint with fear.
   Shak.
   
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   To be affected with incipient putrefaction; as, meat soon taints in warm weather.
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6.       
   Taint, n.
   Tincture; hue; color; tinge. [Obs.]
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   Infection; corruption; deprivation.
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   He had inherited from his parents a scrofulous taint, which it was beyond the power of medicine to remove.
   Macaulay.
   
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   A blemish on reputation; stain; spot; disgrace.
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7.       
   Taint , v. t. Aphetic form of Attaint.
   Webster 1913 Suppl.