Monday word: calumny

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calumny  (kăl′əm-nē), noun
1. A false and malicious statement designed to injure a reputation.
2. The utterance of maliciously false statements; slander; defamation.

Etymology:  Latin calumnia, deception, slander.

“To persevere in one's duty, and be silent is the best answer to calumny” - George Washington