| 释义 |
‖ ˈscandalum magˈnatum Law.
Pl. scandala magnatum. Obs. exc. Hist.
[med.L., ‘scandal of magnates’: scandalum scandal n., magnātum gen. pl. of magnās magnate.
The term was suggested by the wording of the statute 2 Ric. II stat. 1 c. 5, which provides penalties for the offence; the Anglo-Fr. text of the statute, however, does not contain any literally equivalent expression.]
The utterance or publication of a malicious report against any person holding a position of dignity. (In popular writings, the plural was sometimes misused as a sing.) Also transf. in jocular use, something scandalous.
1607Middleton Phoenix F j b, A Writ of Delay, Longsword. Scandala Magnatum, Backesword. 1632Massinger City Madam i. i, ‘Tis more punishable in our house Then Scandalum magnatum. 1682N. O. Boileau's Lutrin ii. 14 Venturing at last on Scandalum Magnatum, Two thousand more; yet still the Jade did rate 'um. 1692R. L'Estrange Fables clvi. 141 A Scandala Magnatum, or a Libel upon his Superiors. 1713Addison Trial Count Tariff 9 He in the First Place accused his Adversary of Scandalum magnatum. 1771Burke Sp. Powers Juries (1816) I. 83 The statute of scandalum magnatum is the oldest that I know. 1850Smedley Frank Fairlegh iv, Scandalum magnatum! not a true bill. |