Main Entry: as·perse

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈspərs, a-\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): as·persed; as·pers·ing

Etymology: Latin aspersus, past participle of aspergere, from ad- + spargere to scatter — more at spark

Date: 15th century

1 : sprinkle; especially : to sprinkle with holy water
2 : to attack with evil reports or false or injurious charges

synonyms see malign