aspersion

[ad_1] noun

1. a damaging or derogatory remark or criticism; slander: casting aspersions on a campaign rival.
2. the act of slandering; vilification; defamation; calumniation; derogation: Such vehement aspersions cannot be ignored.
3. the act of sprinkling, as in baptism.
4. Archaic. a shower or spray.

noun

1. a disparaging or malicious remark; slanderous accusation (esp in the phrase cast aspersions (on))
2. the act of defaming
3. rare the act of sprinkling, esp of water in baptism

n.

mid-15c., from Latin aspersionem (nominative aspersio) “a sprinkling,” noun of action from past participle stem of aspergere “to sprinkle on,” from ad- “to” (see ad-) + spargere “sprinkle, strew” (see sparse). Originally in theology, the shedding of Christ’s blood. Modern sense of “bespattering with slander” first attested 1590s. To cast aspersions was in Fielding (1749).

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