Malign \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. [Obs.]
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         The people practice what mischiefs and villainies they
         will against private men, whom they malign by stealing
         their goods, or murdering them.          --Spenser.
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   2. To speak great evil of; to traduce; to defame; to slander;
      to vilify; to asperse.
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            To be envied and shot at; to be maligned standing,
            and to be despised falling.           --South.
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