v. & n.
v.tr. 1 express disapproval to (a person) for a fault etc. 2 scold; rebuke; censure. 3 archaic rebuke (an offence).
n. 1 a rebuke or censure (heaped reproaches on them). 2 (often foll. by to) a thing that brings disgrace or discredit (their behaviour is a reproach to us all). 3 a disgraced or discredited state (live in reproach and ignominy). 4 (in pl.) RC Ch. a set of antiphons and responses for Good Friday representing the reproaches of Christ to his people. above (or beyond) reproach perfect. reproachable adj. reproacher n. reproachingly adv.
[ ME f. OF reproche(r) f. Rmc (as RE-, L prope near) ]