maligning
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Malign \Ma*lign"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Maligned; p. pr. & vb. n. Maligning.] [Cf. L. malignare. See Malign, a.] To treat with malice; to show hatred toward; to abuse; to wrong; to injure. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
The people practice what mischiefs and villainies they will against private men, whom they malign by stealing their goods, or murdering them. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
2.To speak great evil of; to traduce; to defame; to slander; to vilify; to asperse. [1913 Webster]
To be envied and shot at; to be maligned standing, and to be despised falling.— South.[1913 Webster]