aspersion
(əˈspɜːʃən)
Also 7 aspertion.
[ad. L. aspersiōn-em, n. of action f. aspers-: see asperse and -ion1.]
1. The action of besprinkling (a person or thing), or of sprinkling or scattering (liquid, dust, etc.).
| 1553–87 Foxe A. & M. I. 497/1 By the aspersion of the bloud of Jesus Christ. 1699 Burnet 39 Articles xx. (1700) 193 Aspersion may answer the true end of Baptism. 1782 Priestley Corrupt. Chr. II. viii. 109 They make many aspersions of holy water. 1846 W. Maskell Mon. Rit. I. 209 St. Peter..baptized five thousand on one day; but this must have been by aspersion. |
2. That which is sprinkled; a shower or spray.
| 1610 Shakes. Temp. iv. i. 18 No sweet aspersion shall the heauens let fall To make this contract grow. 1845 Blackw. Mag. LVII. 584 An aspersion of cold water was dashed..in the impassioned faces of the pair. |
† 3. The sprinkling in of an ingredient. Obs.
| 1605 Bacon Adv. Learn. i. 29 There is to bee found besides the Theologicall sence, much aspersion of Philosophie. Ibid. ii. 79 Divinity Morality and Policy, with great aspersion of all other artes. a 1656 Hales Golden Rem. (1688) 34 Without any Aspersion of Severity. |
† 4. Bespatterment with what soils; soil, stain. Obs.
| 1614 T. Adams in Spurgeon Treas. Dav. Ps. vi. 6 (1870) I. 70 Whatsoever aspersion the sin of the day has brought upon us. |
5. The action of casting damaging imputations, false and injurious charges, or unjust insinuations; calumniation, defamation.
| 1633 G. Herbert Charms & Knots in Temple 89 Who by aspersions throw a stone At th' head of others, hit their own. 1781 Cowper Friendship xvii, Aspersion is the babbler's trade, To listen is to lend him aid. 1873 Goulburn Pers. Relig. iv. xi. 347 Imperious aspersion of God. |
6. A damaging report; a charge that tarnishes the reputation; a calumny, slander, false insinuation. Esp. in the phr. to cast aspersions upon.
| 1596 Spenser State Irel. Pref. 2 Which may seeme to lay..any particular aspersion upon some families. 1662 Fuller Worthies (1840) III. 120 As false is the aspersion of his being a great usurer. 1692 James II, Royal Tracts * * G iv, Malicious Aspertions. 1749 Fielding Tom Jones (1775) II. 209, I defy all the world to cast a just aspersion on my character. 1859 Geo. Eliot A. Bede 53 Vindicating myself from the aspersions. |