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.
Phrases and idioms:
above (or beyond) reproach perfect.
Derivatives:
reproachable adj. reproacher n. reproachingly adv.
Etymology: ME f. OF reproche(r) f. Rmc (as RE-, L prope near)