STAIN, verb transitive [Latin , a sprinkle, a spread, a layer; to spread, expand, sprinkle, or be scattered. Gr.]

1. To discolor by the application of foreign matter; to make foul; to spot; as, to stain the hand with dye; to stain clothes with vegetable juice; to stain paper; armor stained with blood.

2. To dye; to tinge with a different color; as, to stain cloth.

3. To impress with figures, in colors different from the ground; as, to stain paper for hangings.

4. To blot; to soil; to spot with guilt or infamy; to tarnish; to bring reproach on; as, to stain the character.

Of honor void, of innocence, of faith, of purity, our wonted ornaments now soild and staind.

STAIN, noun

1. A spot; discoloration from foreign matter; as a stain on a garment or cloth.

2. A natural spot of a color different from the ground.

Swift trouts, diversified with crimson stains.

3. Taint of guilt; tarnish; disgrace; reproach; as the stain of sin.

Nor death itself can wholly wash their stains.

Our opinion is, I hope, without any blemish or stain of heresy.

4. Cause of reproach; shame.

Hereby I will lead her that is the praise and yet the stain of all womankind.