1. (v. t.) To discolor by the application of foreign matter; to make foul; to spot; as, to stain the hand with dye; armor stained with blood.

2. (v. t.) To color, as wood, glass, paper, cloth, or the like, by processes affecting, chemically or otherwise, the material itself; to tinge with a color or colors combining with, or penetrating, the substance; to dye; as, to stain wood with acids, colored washes, paint rubbed in, etc.; to stain glass.

3. (v. t.) To spot with guilt or infamy; to bring reproach on; to blot; to soil; to tarnish.

4. (v. t.) To cause to seem inferior or soiled by comparison.

5. (v. i.) To give or receive a stain; to grow dim.

6. (n.) A discoloration by foreign matter; a spot; as, a stain on a garment or cloth.

7. (n.) A natural spot of a color different from the ground.

8. (n.) Taint of guilt; tarnish; disgrace; reproach.

9. (n.) Cause of reproach; shame.

10. (n.) A tincture; a tinge.