What does "attaint" mean?
A blow or strike, especially in jousting.
Attaint
/əˈteɪnt/ adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A blow or strike, especially in jousting.
- Grammar: attaint is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: bar sinister, baton, bedaub, besmear.
- Usage evidence: My tender youth was never yet attaint With any passion of inflaming love,
How to use "attaint"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "attaint" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "attaint" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "attaint" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "attaint" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "attaint" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bar sinister" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "attaint", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A blow or strike, especially in jousting. archaic
"This politic selection did not alter the fortune of the field, the challengers were still successful: one of their antagonists was overthrown, and both the others failed in the “attaint”, that is, in striking the helmet and shield of their antagonist firmly and strongly, with the lance held in a direct line, so that the weapon might break unless the champion was overthrown."
- 2 A wound on the leg of a horse caused by a blow.
- 3 The giving of a false verdict by a jury; the conviction of such a jury, and the reversal of the verdict. obsolete
Verb
- 1 To subject to attainder; to condemn (someone) to death and extinction of all civil rights. archaic
"Tom Truth is attainted. All he has — not much — is forfeit to the king, and he is entitled to nothing but a traitorʼs death."
- 2 condemn by attainder wordnet
- 3 To subject to calumny; to accuse of a crime or dishonour. archaic
"CHARLES STUART. Attainted and proscribed by name and grade in his British regiment."
- 4 bring shame or dishonor upon wordnet
- 5 To taint; to corrupt, sully. archaic
"Amoret right fearefull was and faint, / Lest she with blame her honor should attaint […]."
Adjective
- 1 Convicted, attainted. obsolete
- 2 Attainted; corrupted. obsolete
"My tender youth was never yet attaint With any passion of inflaming love,"
Example
"My tender youth was never yet attaint With any passion of inflaming love,"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "attaint"?
Common synonyms include: bar sinister, baton, bedaub, besmear, besmirch, besmoke.
How do you use "attaint" in a sentence?
My tender youth was never yet attaint With any passion of inflaming love,
How do you pronounce "attaint"?
Pronounced /əˈteɪnt/.
Etymology
From Middle English atteinte, from Old French ateint, past participle of ateindre; in some senses influenced by taint.