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tarnishing |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Tarnish \Tar"nish\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Tarnished}; p. pr & vb n. {Tarnishing}.] [F. ternir fr OHG. tarnen to darken, to conceal, hide; akin to OS dernian to hide, AS dernan dyrnan OHG. tarni hidden, OS derni, AS derne, dyrne. Cf {Dern}, a., and see {-ish}.] To soil, or change the appearance of especially by an alternation induced by the air, or by dust, or the like to diminish, dull, or destroy the luster of to sully; as to tarnish a metal; to tarnish gilding; to tarnish the purity of color. ``Tarnished lace.'' --Fuller. Used also figuratively; as to tarnish one's honor. Syn: To sully; stain; dim.
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