Definition of: taint

(tānt) v.t.
1. To imbue with an offensive, noxious, or deteriorating quality or principle; infect with decay; render corrupt or poisonous.
2. To render morally corrupt or vitiated; contaminate; pollute.
3. Obs. To tincture; tinge.
—v.i.
4. To be or become tainted. See synonyms under POLLUTE.
—noun
1. A trace or germ of decay; a cause or result of corruption.
2. A moral stain or blemish; spot. [Fusion of aphetic form of ATTAINT and F teint, pp. of teindre tinge, color <L tingere]