Definition of "aspersion"
aspersion
noun
plural aspersions
An attack on somebody's reputation or good name, often in the phrase to cast aspersions upon….
Quotations
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 1906, page 21
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 impossibility to account for that mysterious thrashing, added to these simple and bitter sorrows.
1911, Joseph Conrad, Under Western Eyes
Back in 2018, the body representing the water industry was snorting at Gove’s aspersions, declaring hotly that it looked forward to its pet regulator “bringing some sorely needed facts and balance to the debate”.
2023 June 30, Marina Hyde, “The tide is coming in fast on Rishi Sunak – and it’s full of sewage”, in The Guardian
(obsolete) A sprinkling, especially of holy water.
Quotations
If thou dost break her virgin knot beforeAll sanctimonious ceremonies mayWith full and holy rite be minister'd,No sweet aspersion shall the heavens let fallTo 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 1623, [Act IV, scene i]