What is "empoisons"

Usage examples of "empoisons".

Prince of Scotland and myself in the desert, reducing us to save our lives by the speed of our horses--not that he had stirred up the Maronites to attack us upon this very occasion, had I not brought up unexpectedly so many Arabs as rendered the scheme abortive-- not for any or all of these crimes does he now lie there, although each were deserving such a doom--but because, scarce half an hour ere he polluted our presence, as the simoom empoisons the atmosphere, he poniarded his comrade and accomplice, Conrade of Montserrat, lest he should confess the infamous plots in which they had both been engaged.