释义 |
at·taint I. \əˈtānt, aˈ-\ transitive verb (attainted ; attainted or archaic attaint ; attainting ; attaints) Etymology: Middle English attaynten, from Middle French ataint, past participle of ataindre 1. obsolete : to prove guilty 2. obsolete : to find guilty : convict — used especially of a jury on trial for giving a false verdict 3. : to subject (a person) to the legal condition formerly resulting from a sentence of death or outlawry for treason or felony : affect by attainder 4. a. : to affect or infect especially with disease b. : to taint especially with corruption or poison 5. archaic : to charge with a crime or a dishonorable act : accuse 6. archaic : sully Synonyms: see contaminate II. noun (-s) Etymology: Middle French atainte, from feminine of ataint 1. a. : a legal proceeding or process formerly instituted by writ after judgment to inquire and try by a grand jury whether a trial jury has given a false verdict b. : the convicting of the jury so tried c. : attainder 2. obsolete : touch — used specifically in tilting 3. obsolete : a stain especially upon honor or purity : disgrace |