səˈbȯ(ə)rn, -ȯ(ə)n transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle French suborner, from Latin subornare, from sub- secretly, under + ornare to furnish, prepare, embellish — more at ornate
1.
a. : to induce (as a person) by secret or underhanded means to do some improper or unlawful thing : incite secretly : instigate
suborned government to the unlawful purposes of business — H.M.Kallen
b. : to induce or persuade (a person) to commit perjury ; also : to obtain (testimony) by such action
2. obsolete
a. : to make secret or stealthy provision of
b. : equip , adorn
3. obsolete : to bring forward in support of an unworthy object