bespatter
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to soil by spattering; splash with water, dirt, etc.
-
to slander or libel.
a reputation bespattered by malicious gossip.
verb
-
to splash all over, as with dirty water
-
to defile; slander; besmirch
Etymology
Origin of bespatter
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.
Generous, of a chivalric character, with a repugnance for any kind of meanness, we yet insult the fallen man and even bespatter the memory of one who has gone to the grave.
From English Pharisees and French Crocodiles and Other Anglo-French Typical Characters by O'Rell, Max
It is unnecessary to go through the long verbiage of abuse and blasphemy with which these theologians thought it their duty to bespatter Joan of Arc.
From Joan of Arc by Gower, Ronald Sutherland
If the road is muddy be careful that you do not ride so as to bespatter her habit.
From The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness Being a Complete Guide for a Gentleman's Conduct in all his Relations Towards Society by Hartley, Cecil B.
To rail at him now, and speak of him disparagingly, will not hurt him, or do you any good, Dick, my friend, so do not unnecessarily bespatter his memory.
From The Adventures of Dick Maitland A Tale of Unknown Africa by Ball, Alec
The roar of the surf is so great that we cannot hear each other speak, and the rain and foam bespatter our faces.
From Round the Wonderful World by Forrest, A. S. (Archibald Stevenson)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
