distain verb trans. [dɪ'steɪn] arch. LME.
[Old French desteign- pres. stem of desteindre (mod. déteindre), from Proto-Romance, formed as DIS- 1, TINGE verb.]
1. Imbue or stain with a colour different from the natural one; discolour, stain, tinge. LME.
■ C. Marlowe The tears that so distain my cheeks.

2. Defile; bring a blot or stain on; sully, dishonour. LME.
■ R. Burns May coward shame distain his name, The wretch that dare not die!

3. Deprive of colour, brightness, or splendour, esp. by comparison; outshine. LME-M17.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲