disparage Meaning, Definition & Usage

Dis*par"age transitive verb

Etymology

OF. desparagier, F. déparager, to marry unequally; pref. des- (L. dis-) + F. parage extraction, lineage, from L. par equal, peer. See Peer.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Disparaged ; present participle & verbal noun Disparaging

Definitions

1. To match unequally; to degrade or dishonor by an unequal marriage. Obs.

   Alas! that any of my nation Should ever so foul disparaged be. Chaucer.

2. To dishonor by a comparison with what is inferior; to lower in rank or estimation by actions or words; to speak slightingly of; to depreciate; to undervalue.

   Those forbidding appearances which sometimes disparage the actions of men sincerely pious. Bp. Atterbury.

   Thou durst not thus disparage glorious arms. Milton.

   Syn. -- To decry; depreciate; undervalue; underrate; cheapen; vilify; reproach; detract from; derogate from; degrade; debase. See Decry.

Dis"pa*rage` noun

Definitions

1. Inequality in marriage; marriage with an inferior. Obs. Chaucer.

   Dissuaded her from such a disparage. Spenser.