Disattaint

/ˌdɪsəˈteɪnt/ verb

Definition

To remove a stain, taint, or mark of disgrace from someone's reputation or honor.

Etymology

From dis- (prefix meaning 'reverse') + attaint (from Old French attaint, meaning 'touched' or 'tainted'). Attaint comes from Latin tangere, 'to touch,' and was used in medieval law for legal disgrace.

Kelly Says

In medieval times, when someone was 'attainted,' they lost their legal rights and their family was shamed. Disattaint was the rare legal process to restore their honor—it's like a historical version of having your criminal record expunged.

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