distain

[ dih-steyn ]

verb (used with object)Archaic.

to discolor; stain; sully.

Origin of distain

1350–1400; Middle English desteignen<Anglo-French, Middle French desteign-, stem of desteindre, equivalent to des-dis-¹ + teindre<Latin tingere to dye, tinge

Words Nearby distain

dist.
distad
distaff
distaffer
distaff side
distain
distal
distance
distance learning
distance medley
distance modulus

How to use distain in a sentence

"All's the better for them to hide in," the old woman was continuing, her face a brazen mixture of distain and contempt.
The Land of Look Behind | Paul Cameron Brown
So 1684; but 'Disdain'd' may be a misprint for 'distain'd' (outshone).
The Works of Aphra Behn, Volume VI | Aphra Behn
To pardon or parley with rebels he thought would distain his honour.
Henry VIII. | A. F. Pollard

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