I. ˈsmərch, ˈsmə̄ch, ˈsməich transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Middle English smorchen
1.
a. : to make dirty, stained, or discolored : sully , soil , tarnish
b. : to smear with something that stains or dirties : apply a discoloring agent to
with a kind of umber smirch my face — Shakespeare
2. : to bring into disrepute : bring discredit or disgrace upon
the kind of mentalities that delight in smirching the names of public men — A.D.H.Smith
II. noun
( -es )
1. : a dirty blurred mark or blot : smear , stain
2. : something that tarnishes a reputation : a moral flaw