smirch Hear it!

smirch definition

smirch (smʉrc̸h)

transitive verb

  1. to make dirty or discolor as by smearing or staining with grime
  2. to sully or dishonor (a reputation, good name, etc.)

Etymology: ME smorchen, prob. < OFr esmorcher, to hurt < es- (< L ex), intens. + pp. of mordre, to bite, hurt: see mordant

noun

  1. a smudge; smear; stain
  2. a stain on a reputation, etc.

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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