attaint

 
Pronunciation: /əˈteɪnt/

verb

[with object]
  • 1 historical subject (someone) to attainder: to his lands Henry added the property of several landowners attainted in the course of his reign
  • 2 archaic affect or infect with disease or corruption: even to have kicked an outsider might have been held to attaint the foot

Origin:

Middle English (in the sense 'touch, reach, attain'): from obsolete attaint (adjective), from Old French ataint, ateint, past participle of ateindre 'bring to justice' (see attain); influenced in meaning by taint