Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SPOT, v.t.

1. To make a visible mark with some foreign matter; to discolor; to stain; as, to spot a garment; to spot paper.
2. To patch by way of ornament. – Addison.
3. To stain; to blemish; to taint; to disgrace; to tarnish; as reputation. My virgin life no spotted thoughts shall stain. – Sidney. To spot timber, is to cut or chip it, in preparation for hewing.