The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Calumny \Cal"um*ny\, n.; pl. Calumnies. [L. calumnia, fr.
   calvi to devise tricks, deceive; cf. F. calomnie. Cf.
   Challenge, n.]
   False accusation of a crime or offense, maliciously made or
   reported, to the injury of another; malicious
   misrepresentation; slander; detraction. "Infamous calumnies."
   --Motley.
   [1913 Webster]

         Be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, thou shalt
         not escape calumny.                      --Shak.
   [1913 Webster]