Friday word: Disparage

[med_cat]

Disparage (transitive verb):
1 : to lower in rank or reputation : degrade

2 : to depreciate by indirect means (as invidious comparison) : speak slightingly about

Etymology: Middle English, to degrade by marriage below one's class, disparage, from Anglo-French desparager to marry below one's class, from des- dis- + parage equality, lineage, from per peer

First Known Use: 14th century

Example:

"The rich attorney my character high
Tried vainly to disparage..."

(See here for the entire song lyrics and video: http://1word1day.livejournal.com/402783.html)