Attaint — At*taint , v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Attainted}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Attainting}.] [OE. atteynten to convict, fr. atteynt, OF. ateint, p. p. of ateindre, ataindre. The meanings 3, 4, 5, and 6 were influenced by a supposed connection with taint. See… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Attaint — At*taint , n. [OF. attainte. See {Attaint}, v.] 1. A touch or hit. Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster] 2. (Far.) A blow or wound on the leg of a horse, made by overreaching. White. [1913 Webster] 3. (Law) A writ which lies after judgment, to inquire… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Attaint — At*taint , p. p. Attainted; corrupted. [Obs.] Shak. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
attaint — vb taint, pollute, defile, *contaminate … New Dictionary of Synonyms
attaint — [ə tānt′] vt. attainted, attainting [ME atteinten, to convict < OFr ateint, pp. of ataindre (see ATTAIN); sense infl. by Anglo Fr teinte, TAINT] 1. to punish by attainder 2. Archaic to disgrace or dishonor 3. Archaic to infect … English World dictionary
attaint — 1. verb a) To subject to attainder; to condemn (someone) to death and extinction of all civil rights. Amoret right fearefull was and faint, / Lest she with blame her honor should attaint [...]. b) To subject to calumny; to accuse … Wiktionary
Attaint — 1) The word was used of a nobleman convicted of an act seriously dishonourable, such as *treason. The punishment was usually death and the forfeiture of all lands and estates, leaving descendants without inheritance. Cf. previous 2) [atteint]. A… … Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases
attaint — verb 1》 historical subject to attainder. 2》 archaic (of a disease) affect or infect. Origin ME (in the sense touch, attain ): from obs. attaint (adjective), from OFr. ataint, ateint, past participle of ateindre (see attain) … English new terms dictionary
attaint — v.tr. 1 hist. subject to attainder. 2 a (of disease etc.) strike, affect. b taint. Etymology: ME f. obs. attaint (adj.) f. OF ataint, ateint past part. formed as ATTAIN: confused in meaning with TAINT … Useful english dictionary
attaint — I. transitive verb Etymology: Middle English attaynten, from Anglo French ateint, past participle of ateindre Date: 14th century 1. to affect by attainder 2. a. infect, corrupt b. archaic taint, sully … New Collegiate Dictionary
