What is "maligning"

Malign \Ma*lign"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Maligned; p. pr. & vb. n. Maligning.] [Cf. L. malignare. See Malign,

1. ] To treat with malice; to show hatred toward; to abuse; to wrong; to injure. [Obs.]

   The people practice what mischiefs and villainies they will against private men, whom they malign by stealing their goods, or murdering them.
   --Spenser.

   2. To speak great evil of; to traduce; to defame; to slander; to vilify; to asperse.

   To be envied and shot at; to be maligned standing, and to be despised falling.
   --South.

vb. (present participle of malign English)