Scandal

n. [Fr. scandale, O. Fr. scandèle, escandèle, Pr. escandol, escandre, Sp. & Pg. escandalo, It. scandalo, from Lat. scandalum, Gr. σκάνδαλον, the stick or spring in a trap, a snare laid for an enemy, a stumbling-block, offense, scandal.] 1. Offense caused or experienced; reproach or reprobation called forth by what is regarded as wrong, heinous, or flagrant; imputed disgrace. Have brought scandal To Israel. Milton. 2. Reproachful aspersion; opprobrious censure; defamatory speech or report; something uttered which is false and injurious to reputation; defamatory talk, uttered heedlessly, recklessly, or falsely. You must not put another scandal on him. Shak. My known virtue is from scandal free. Dryden.

3. (Equity.) Any thing alleged in the pleadings which is impertinent and reproachful to any person, or which derogates from the dignity of the court, or is contrary to good manners. Daniell. Smith.
4. A wine measure of Marseilles, equal to three and a half gallons. Simmonds.

Syn.—Defamation; detraction; slander; calumny; opprobrium; reproach; shame; disgrace.