- Scandal
- Scandal Scan"dal, n. [F. scandale, fr. L. scandalum, Gr. ?, a
snare laid for an enemy, a stumbling block, offense, scandal:
cf. OE. scandle, OF. escandle. See {Slander}.]
1. Offense caused or experienced; reproach or reprobation
called forth by what is regarded as wrong, criminal,
heinous, or flagrant: opprobrium or disgrace.
[1913 Webster]
O, what a scandal is it to our crown, That two such noble peers as ye should jar! --Shak. [1913 Webster]
[I] have brought scandal To Israel, diffidence of God, and doubt In feeble hearts. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
2. Reproachful aspersion; opprobrious censure; defamatory talk, uttered heedlessly or maliciously. [1913 Webster]
You must not put another scandal on him. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
My known virtue is from scandal free. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
3. (Equity) Anything alleged in pleading which is impertinent, and is reproachful to any person, or which derogates from the dignity of the court, or is contrary to good manners. --Daniell. [1913 Webster]
Syn: Defamation; detraction; slander; calumny; opprobrium; reproach; shame; disgrace. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.