v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Vilified p. pr. & vb. n. Vilifying. ] [ L. vilis vile + -fy; cf. L. vilificare to esteem of little value. ] 1. To make vile; to debase; to degrade; to disgrace. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ] When themselves they vilified To serve ungoverned appetite. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To degrade or debase by report; to defame; to traduce; to calumniate. I. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ] Many passions dispose us to depress and vilify the merit of one rising in the esteem of mankind. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To treat as vile; to despise. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] I do vilify your censure. Beau. & Fl. [ 1913 Webster ] [ 1913 Webster ] |