Taint (?), n. [Cf. F. atteinte a blow, bit, stroke. See Attaint.] 1. A thrust with a lance, which fails of its intended effect. [Obs.]
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This taint he followed with his sword drawn from a silver sheath. Chapman.
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2. An injury done to a lance in an encounter, without its being broken; also, a breaking of a lance in an encounter in a dishonorable or unscientific manner. [Obs.]
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Taint, v. t. 1. To injure, as a lance, without breaking it; also, to break, as a lance, but usually in an unknightly or unscientific manner. [Obs.]
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Do not fear; I have
A staff to taint, and bravely. Massinger.
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2. To hit or touch lightly, in tilting. [Obs.]
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They tainted each other on the helms and passed by. Ld. Berners.
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Taint (?), v. i. 1. To be infected or corrupted; to be touched with something corrupting.
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I can not taint with fear. Shak.
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2. To be affected with incipient putrefaction; as, meat soon taints in warm weather.
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Taint (?), v. t. Aphetic form of Attaint.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]