STAIN, v.t. [L., a sprinkle, a spread, a layer; to spread, expand, sprinkle, or be scattered. Gr.] 1. To discolor by the application of foreign matter; to make foul; to spot; as, to stain the hand with dye; to stain clothes with vegetable juice; to stain paper; armor stained with blood.2. To dye; to tinge with a different color; as, to stain cloth.3. To impress with figures, in colors different from the ground; as, to stain paper for hangings.4. To blot; to soil; to spot with guilt or infamy; to tarnish; to bring reproach on; as, to stain the character.Of honor void, of innocence, of faith, of purity, our wonted ornaments now soild and staind.STAIN, n. 1. A spot; discoloration from foreign matter; as a stain on a garment or cloth.2. A natural spot of a color different from the ground.Swift trouts, diversified with crimson stains.3. Taint of guilt; tarnish; disgrace; reproach; as the stain of sin.Nor death itself can wholly wash their stains.Our opinion is, I hope, without any blemish or stain of heresy.4. Cause of reproach; shame.Hereby I will lead her that is the praise and yet the stain of all womankind.
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