Taint (?), n. [Cf. F. atteinte a blow, bit, stroke. See Attaint.] 1. A thrust with a lance, which fails of its intended effect. [Obs.][1913 Webster]
This taint he followed with his sword drawn from a silver sheath.
2. An injury done to a lance in an encounter, without its being broken; also, a breaking of a lance in an encounter in a dishonorable or unscientific manner. [Obs.][1913 Webster]
Taint, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Tainted (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Tainting.] To thrust ineffectually with a lance. [Obs.][1913 Webster]
Taint, v. t. 1. To injure, as a lance, without breaking it; also, to break, as a lance, but usually in an unknightly or unscientific manner. [Obs.][1913 Webster]
Do not fear; I haveA staff to taint, and bravely.
2. To hit or touch lightly, in tilting. [Obs.][1913 Webster]
They tainted each other on the helms and passed by.
Taint, v. t. [F. teint, p. p. of teindre to dye, tinge, fr. L. tingere, tinctum. See Tinge, and cf. Tint.] 1. To imbue or impregnate with something extraneous, especially with something odious, noxious, or poisonous; hence, to corrupt; to infect; to poison; as, putrid substance taint the air.[1913 Webster]
2. Fig.: To stain; to sully; to tarnish.[1913 Webster]
His unkindness may defeat my life,But never taint my love.
Syn. -- To contaminate; defile; pollute; corrupt; infect; disease; vitiate; poison.[1913 Webster]
Taint (?), v. i. 1. To be infected or corrupted; to be touched with something corrupting.[1913 Webster]
I can not taint with fear.
2. To be affected with incipient putrefaction; as, meat soon taints in warm weather.[1913 Webster]
Taint, n. 1. Tincture; hue; color; tinge. [Obs.][1913 Webster]
2. Infection; corruption; deprivation.[1913 Webster]
He had inherited from his parents a scrofulous taint, which it was beyond the power of medicine to remove.
3. A blemish on reputation; stain; spot; disgrace.[1913 Webster]
Taint (?), v. t. Aphetic form of Attaint.[Webster 1913 Suppl.]