Ma·lign, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Maligned p. pr. & vb. n. Maligning.] 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.