distain Meaning, Definition & Usage

Dis*tain" transitive verb

Etymology

OE. desteinen, OF. desteindre to take away the color, F. déteindre; pref. des- (L. dis-) + F. teindre to tinge, dye, L. tingere. See Tinge, and cf. Stain.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Distained ; present participle & verbal noun Distaining

Definitions

1. To tinge with a different color from the natural or proper one; to stain; to discolor; to sully; to tarnish; to defile; -- used chiefly in poetry. "Distained with dirt and blood." Spenser.

   [She] hath . . . distained her honorable blood. Spenser.

   The worthiness of praise distains his worth. Shak.