from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Vilify \Vil"i*fy\ (v[i^]l"[i^]*f[imac]), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Vilified}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Vilifying}.] [L. vilis vile +
-fy; cf. L. vilificare to esteem of little value.]
1. To make vile; to debase; to degrade; to disgrace. [R.]
[1913 Webster]
When themselves they vilified
To serve ungoverned appetite. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
2. To degrade or debase by report; to defame; to traduce; to
calumniate. --I. Taylor.
[1913 Webster]
Many passions dispose us to depress and vilify the
merit of one rising in the esteem of mankind.
--Addison.
[1913 Webster]
3. To treat as vile; to despise. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
I do vilify your censure. --Beau. & Fl.
[1913 Webster]
[1913 Webster]