from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Malign \Ma*lign"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Maligned}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Maligning}.] [Cf. L. malignare. See {Malign}, a.]
To treat with malice; to show hatred toward; to abuse; to
wrong; to injure. [Obs.]
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The people practice what mischiefs and villainies they
will against private men, whom they malign by stealing
their goods, or murdering them. --Spenser.
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2. To speak great evil of; to traduce; to defame; to slander;
to vilify; to asperse.
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To be envied and shot at; to be maligned standing,
and to be despised falling. --South.
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