aspersion

Noun

aspersion (plural aspersions)

1. An attack on someone's or something's reputation or good name; often in the phrase to cast aspersions upon….
   • No criminality can be infered or punishment inflicted, but for writing, printing, uttering, or publishing false, scandalous and malicious aspersions against the government.1799, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, “Resolutions of the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania to Kentucky”, in State Documents on Federal Relations, University of Pennsylvania, published...
   • Even the comfort of the bottle might conceivably fail him in this supreme crisis. At such an age nothing but a halter could cure the pangs of an unquenchable passion. And, besides, there was the wild exasperation aroused by the unjust aspersions and the contumely of the house, with the maddening...1911, Joseph Conrad, Under Western Eyes

   Synonyms:

   calumny, slander, calumniousness, character assassination, defamation, detraction, disparagement, libel, obloquy, traducement

2. (obsolete) A sprinkling, especially of holy water.
   • If thou dost break her virgin knot before
     All sanctimonious ceremonies may
     With full and holy rite be minister'd,
     No sweet aspersion shall the heavens let fall
     To make this contract grow; but barren hate […]1610–1611 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tempest”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published...