aspersion Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a disparaging remark
    slur.
    • in the 19th century any reference to female sexuality was considered a vile aspersion
    • it is difficult for a woman to understand a man's sensitivity to any slur on his virility
  2. noun an abusive attack on a person's character or good name
    defamation; calumny; denigration; slander.
  3. noun the act of sprinkling water in baptism (rare)
    sprinkling.

WordNet


As*per"sion noun
Etymology
L. aspersio, fr. aspergere: cf. F. aspersion.
Definitions
  1. A sprinkling, as with water or dust, in a literal sense.
    Behold an immersion, not and aspersion. Jer. Taylor.
  2. The spreading of calumniations reports or charges which tarnish reputation, like the bespattering of a body with foul water; calumny.
    Every candid critic would be ashamed to cast wholesale aspersions on the entire body of professional teachers. Grote.
    Who would by base aspersions blot thy virtue. Dryden.

Webster 1913