from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
TO DEGRADE, DEGRADING. To, sink or lower a person in the estimation of the
public.
2. As a man's character is of great importance to him, and it is his
interest to retain the good opinion of all mankind, when he is a witness, he
cannot be compelled to disclose any matter which would tend to disgrace or
degrade him, 13 How. St. Tr. 17, 334, 16 How. St. Tr. 161. A question having
that tendency, however, may be asked, and, in such case, when the witness
chooses to answer it, the answer is conclusive. 1 Phil. Ev. 269; R. & M.
383.