Literary notes about aspersion (AI summary)
In literature, "aspersion" is commonly used to denote a disparaging attack or unmerited criticism aimed at an individual’s character or reputation. Authors often employ the term to highlight the injustice of casting doubt on a person’s honor or abilities, as when a narrator expresses regret over having cast an aspersion on someone’s memory ([1]) or when a politician feels compelled to repudiate such remarks ([2]). At times the word takes on a more literal nuance, even evoking images of a physical sprinkling, as in its reference to holy water ([3], [4]). Across various narratives, its use underscores a deliberate attempt to sully the subject, whether by questioning personal integrity ([5]) or by denouncing a public indictment ([6]).
- I had regretted, truly regretted, the aspersion which I had thoughtlessly cast on her memory, before I had seen a line of her letter.
— from The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins - His patriotism was aroused by this aspersion; as the sole representative of his country, he was bound to meet and repudiate it.
— from The Shadow of the Past by F. E. Mills (Florence Ethel Mills) Young - [57] “I made an assault there; but I neither threw, nor caused to be thrown, Holy Water by way of aspersion.”
— from Jeanne d'Arc, Maid of Orleans, Deliverer of France Being the Story of Her Life, Her Achievements, and Her Death, as Attested on Oath and Set Forth in the Original Documents - Aspersion was commonly employed in the case of the sick, and was known by the designation of clinic or bed baptism.
— from The Ancient Church: Its History, Doctrine, Worship, and Constitution by W. D. (William Dool) Killen - Mr Sharnall was used to call him a hypocrite, but the aspersion was false, as such an aspersion commonly is.
— from The Nebuly Coat by John Meade Falkner - [292] “Because in that case, surely you can get him back——” “Oh, what an aspersion on Miss Wheeler’s fascinations!”
— from The Mystery of the Sycamore by Carolyn Wells
