Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SLAN-DER, n. [Norm. esclaunder; Fr. esclandre; Russ. klenu, klianu, to slander; Sw. klandra, to accuse or blame.]

1. A false tale or report maliciously uttered, and tending to injure the reputation of another, by lessening him in the esteem of his fellow-citizens, by exposing him to impeachment and punishment, or by impairing his means of living; defamation. – Blackstone. Slander, that worst of poisons, ever finds / An easy entrance to ignoble minds. – Hervey.
2. Disgrace; reproach; disreputation; ill name. – Shak.