opprobriums

Noun

opprobrium (countable and uncountable, plural opprobriums or opprobria)

1. (archaic, countable) A cause, object, or situation of disgrace or shame.
   • As there are certain malignant diseases which have been denominated the opprobria of medicine, so there are particular maladies of our social condition, which may be considered the opprobria of legislation. Amongst the most inveterate of these are the poor laws.1828 May, “Poor Laws—Emigration”, in The London Magazine (Third Series), number II, London: […] [William Clowes] for the proprietors, and published by their agent, Henry Hooper, […], →OCLC, page 227

   Synonyms:

   opprobry

2. Disgrace or bad reputation arising from exceedingly shameful behaviour; ignominy.
   • Let me add that it is the great deſideratum, by which alone this form of government can be reſcued from the opprobrium under which it has ſo long labored, and be recommended to the eſteem and adoption of mankind.1788, Publius [pseudonym; James Madison], “Number X. The Same Subject Continued [The Utility of the Union as a Safeguard against Domestic Faction and Insurrection].”, in The Federalist: A Collection...

   Synonyms:

   obloquy, opprobry

3. Scornful contempt or reproach; (countable) an instance of this.
   • […]from that strict rectitude in which I have been accustomed to walk and to view my actions, and which, notwithstanding the unjust opprobrium cast upon me, I find to be an invincible support and shield.1838, [Letitia Elizabeth] Landon (indicated as editor), chapter III, in Duty and Inclination: […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 33

   Synonyms:

   blame, castigation, censure, derision, invective, opprobry, contempt, despect, despiciency, despisal

4. (archaic) Behaviour which is disgraceful or shameful.