bə̇, bē+ transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English befoulen, alteration (influenced by foul ) of befilen to befoul, from Old English befȳlan, from be- + fȳlan to foul — more at file
1. : to make foul with or as if with dirt or filth
a building befouled with soot
mudslinging befouled his speeches
2.
a. : slander , calumniate
befouling his reputation
b. : disgrace , blacken , denigrate
scandals that befouled the administration