Dictionary entry

Calumny

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Cal″um‐ny (?), n.; pl.Calumnies (#). [L. calumnia, fr. calvi to devise tricks, deceive; cf. F. calomnie. Cf. Challenge, n.] False accusation of a crime or offense, maliciously made or reported, to the injury of another; malicious misrepresentation; slander; detraction. “Infamous calumnies.” Motley.

Be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, thou shalt not escape calumny.

Shak.