Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MA-LIG'NANT, a. [L. malignus, maligno, from malus, evil.]

1. Malicious; having extreme malevolence or enmity; as, a malignant heart.
2. Unpropitious; exerting pernicious influence; as, malignant stars. Shak.
3. Virulent; as, a malignant ulcer.
4. Dangerous to life; as, a malignant fever.
5. Extremely hainous; as, the malignant nature of sin.