Bane (?), n. [OE. bane destruction, AS. bana murderer; akin to Icel. bani death, murderer, OHG. bana murder, bano murderer, murder, OIr. bath death, benim I strike. .]

1.

That which destroys life, esp. poison of a deadly quality.

[Obs. except in combination, as in ratsbane, henbane, etc.]

2.

Destruction; death.

[Obs.]

The cup of deception spiced and tempered to their bane. Milton.

3.

Any cause of ruin, or lasting injury; harm; woe.

Money, thou bane of bliss, and source of woe. Herbert.

4.

A disease in sheep, commonly termed the rot.

Syn. -- Poison; ruin; destruction; injury; pest.

 

© Webster 1913.


Bane, v. t.

To be the bane of; to ruin.

[Obs.]

Fuller.

 

© Webster 1913.