Vil"i*fy (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Vilified (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Vilifying.] [L. vilis vile + -fly; cf. L. vilificare to esteem of little value.]

1.

To make vile; to debase; to degrade; to disgrace.

[R.]

When themselves they vilified To serve ungoverned appetite. Milton.

2.

To degrade or debase by report; to defame; to traduce; to calumniate.

I. Taylor.

Many passions dispose us to depress and vilify the merit of one rising in the esteem of mankind. Addison.

3.

To treat as vile; to despise.

[Obs.]

I do vilify your censure. Beau. & Fl.

 

© Webster 1913.

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