Taint (?), n. [Cf. F. atteinte a blow, bit, stroke. See Attaint.] 1. A thrust with a lance, which fails of its intended effect.
This taint he followed with his sword drawn from a silver sheath. Chapman.
2. 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.