I.to spread abroad by an ill report; to publish, divulge.
I. Prop. (rare and not anteAug.): “vulgat adulterium diffamatumque parenti Indicat,” Ov. M. 4, 236; cf. “prava,” Tac. A. 14, 22: “nomen pessimum super virginem,” Vulg. Deut. 22, 19.—
B. To decry, defame, malign: “viros feminasque procacibus scriptis,” Tac. A. 1, 72; cf.: “aliquem probroso carmine,” id. ib. 15, 49: aliquem probris, Ap. M. 1, p. 107; Vulg. Matt. 9, 31.— With acc. and inf.: diffamat, incendio repentino domum suam possideri, Ap. M. 4, p. 147.—
II. To declare, make known, proclaim widely (late Lat.): “Deus diffamatur,” Aug. de Morib. Eccl. 14: “sermonem,” Vulg. Marc. 1, 45.