attaint, n. Hist. A writ to inquire whether a 12-member jury gave a false verdict. • If it was so found (by a 24-member jury), the judgment based on the verdict was overturned. The writ was abolished in England in 1826.
attaint
attaint ([schwa]-taynt), adj. Maligned or tarnished reputationally; under an attainder for crime.