Ma*lign" (?), a. [L. malignus, for maligenus, i. e., of a bad kind or nature; malus bad + the root of genus birth, race, kind: cf. F. malin, masc., maligne, fem. See [Malice], [Gender], and cf. [Benign], [Malignant].]

1.

Having an evil disposition toward others; harboring violent enmity; malevolent; malicious; spiteful; -- opposed to benign.

Witchcraft may be by operation of malign spirits. Bacon.

2.

Unfavorable; unpropitious; pernicious; tending to injure; as, a malign aspect of planets.

3.

Malignant; as, a malign ulcer.

[R.]

Bacon.

© [Webster 1913].

Ma*lign", v. t. [imp. & p. p. [Maligned] (?); p. pr. & vb. n. [Maligning].] [Cf. L. malignare. See [Malign], a.]

To treat with malice; to show hatred toward; to abuse; to wrong; to injure

. [Obs.]

The people practice what mischiefs and villainies they will against private men, whom they malign by stealing their goods, or murdering them. Spenser.

2.

To speak great evil of; to traduce; to defame; to slander; to vilify; to asperse.

To be envied and shot at; to be maligned standing, and to be despised falling. South.

© [Webster 1913].

Ma*lign", v. i.

To entertain malice.

[Obs.]

© [Webster 1913].

Malign (definition)