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Showing results for bespatter. Search instead for Ribbon+Spatter.
Synonyms

bespatter

American  
[bih-spat-er] / bɪˈspæt ər /

verb (used with object)

  1. to soil by spattering; splash with water, dirt, etc.

  2. to slander or libel.

    a reputation bespattered by malicious gossip.


bespatter British  
/ bɪˈspætə /

verb

  1. to splash all over, as with dirty water

  2. to defile; slander; besmirch

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of bespatter

First recorded in 1635–45; be- + spatter

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He was a proud man, who must hate standing by helplessly, holding the supreme office in Orvieto, watching the two great families bespatter his city with blood.

From The Saracen: The Holy War by Shea, Robert

I saw her, the other day, bespatter the Governor himself with water, at the cattle-trough in Spring Lane.

From The Scarlet Letter by Foote, Mary Hallock

I know they are pleased to bespatter me at all their little dirty levees.

From Goldsmith English Men of Letters Series by Black, William

"For that reason," she answered sharply—"lest the disgrace bespatter my kinsman, Sir Peter, and his sweet lady."

From The Reckoning by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)

Jawp, to throw water upon a person, to bespatter.

From The Proverbs of Scotland by Hislop, Alexander

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