Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DIS-PAR'AGE-MENT, n.

1. The matching of a man or woman to one of inferior rank or condition, and against the rules of decency. – Encyc. Cowel.
2. Injury by union or comparison with something of inferior excellence. – Johnson.
3. Diminution of value or excellence; reproach; disgrace; indignity; dishonor; followed by to. It ought to be no disparagement to a star that it is not the sun. – South. To be a humble Christian is no disparagement to a prince, or a nobleman. – Anon.