Defame \De*fame"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defamed; p. pr. & vb.
   n. Defaming.] [OE. defamen, diffamen, from F. diffamer, or
   OF. perh. defamer, fr. L. diffamare (cf. defamatus infamous);
   dis- (in this word confused with de) + fama a report. See
   Fame.]
   1. To harm or destroy the good fame or reputation of; to
      disgrace; especially, to speak evil of maliciously; to
      dishonor by slanderous reports; to calumniate; to asperse.
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   2. To render infamous; to bring into disrepute.
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            My guilt thy growing virtues did defame;
            My blackness blotted thy unblemish'd name. --Dryden.
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   3. To charge; to accuse. [R.]
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            Rebecca is . . . defamed of sorcery practiced on the
            person of a noble knight.             --Sir W.
                                                  Scott.

   Syn: To asperse; slander; calumniate; vilify. See Asperse.
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