Dictionary entry

Malign (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Ma‐lign″, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Maligned (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Maligning.] [Cf. L. malignare. See Malign, a.] To treat with malice; to show hatred toward; to abuse; to wrong; to injure.

The people practice what mischiefs and villainies they will against private men, whom they malign by stealing their goods, or murdering them. Spenser.

2. To speak great evil of; to traduce; to defame; to slander; to vilify; to asperse.

To be envied and shot at; to be maligned standing, and to be despised falling. South.