Definitions for the word "taint" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
A thrust with a lance, which fails of its intended effect.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. i.
To thrust ineffectually with a lance.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v. t.
To injure, as a lance, without breaking it; also, to break, as a lance, but usually in an unknightly or unscientific manner.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. t.
To hit or touch lightly, in tilting.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. t.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. t.
Fig.: To stain; to sully; to tarnish.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. i.
To be infected or corrupted; to be touched with something corrupting.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. i.
To be affected with incipient putrefaction; as, meat soon taints in warm weather.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
Tincture; hue; color; tinge.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. n.
Infection; corruption; deprivation.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. n.
A blemish on reputation; stain; spot; disgrace.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. n.
1 spot or trace of decay, infection, corruption, etc. 2 corrupt condition or infection. v. 1 affect with a taint; become tainted. 2 (foll. By with) affect slightly. [latin: related to *tinge]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "taint" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and
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