I. ˈsəlē, -li verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: probably from Middle French souiller to soil — more at soil
intransitive verb
obsolete : to become soiled, tarnished, or defiled
transitive verb
: to make soiled or tarnished : besmirch , stain , defile
no cruelties sullied his name — Brian Fitzgerald
neologisms with which I will not sully your ears — R.W.Chapman
wholesale disruption of war unsettles and sullies the minds of millions — R.S.Ellery
charm of its houses and buildings is somewhat sullied by coal smoke deposits — American Guide Series: New Hampshire
II. noun
( -es )
archaic : soil , tarnish , stain
little spots and sullies in his reputation — Spectator, 1711