Also 7 aspertion. [ad. L. aspersiōn-em, n. of action f. aspers-: see ASPERSE and -ION.]
1. The action of besprinkling (a person or thing), or of sprinkling or scattering (liquid, dust, etc.).
1553–87. Foxe, A. & M., I. 497/1. By the aspersion of the bloud of Jesus Christ.
1699. Burnet, 39 Articles, xx. (1700), 193. Aspersion may answer the true end of Baptism.
1782. Priestley, Corrupt. Chr., II. VIII. 109. They make many aspersions of holy water.
1846. Maskell, Mon. Rit., I. 209. St. Peter … baptized five thousand on one day; but this must have been by aspersion.
2. That which is sprinkled; a shower or spray.
1610. Shaks., Temp., IV. i. 18. No sweet aspersion shall the heauens let fall To make this contract grow.
1845. Blackw. Mag., LVII. 584. An aspersion of cold water was dashed … in the impassioned faces of the pair.
† 3. The sprinkling in of an ingredient. Obs.
1605. Bacon, Adv. Learn., I. 29. There is to bee found besides the Theologicall sence, much aspersion of Philosophie. Ibid., II. 79. Divinity Morality and Policy, with great aspersion of all other artes.
a. 1656. Hales, Golden Rem. (1688), 34. Without any Aspersion of Severity.
† 4. Bespatterment with what soils; soil, stain. Obs.
1614. T. Adams, in Spurgeon, Treas. Dav., Ps. vi. 6 (1870), I. 70. Whatsoever aspersion the sin of the day has brought upon us.
5. The action of casting damaging imputations, false and injurious charges, or unjust insinuations; calumniation, defamation.
1633. G. Herbert, Charms & Knots, in Temple, 89. Who by aspersions throw a stone At the head of others, hit their own.
1781. Cowper, Friendship, xvii. Aspersion is the babbler’s trade, To listen is to lend him aid.
1873. Goulburn, Pers. Relig., IV. xi. 347. Imperious aspersion of God.
6. A damaging report; a charge that tarnishes the reputation; a calumny, slander, false insinuation. Esp. in the phr. To cast aspersions upon.
1596. Spenser, State Irel., Pref. 2. Which may seeme to lay … any particular aspersion upon some families.
1662. Fuller, Worthies (1840), III. 120. As false is the aspersion of his being a great usurer.
1692. James II., Royal Tracts, **G iv. Malicious Aspertions.
1749. Fielding, Tom Jones (1775), II. 209. I defy all the world to cast a just aspersion on my character.
1859. Geo. Eliot, A. Bede, 53. Vindicating myself from the aspersions.
