Definition of "malign"

Witchcraft may be by operation of malign spirits.

1631, Francis [Bacon], “(please specify |century=I to X)”, in Sylua Syluarum: Or A Naturall Historie. In Ten Centuries. […], 3rd edition, London: […] William Rawley; [p]rinted by J[ohn] H[aviland] for William Lee […]

It may be true that such running is exceptional rather than normal; there are still innumerable checks of one kind or another, many of them, alas, directly or indirectly the result of engine failures; and bad coal has often a malign influence.

1951 February, Cecil J. Allen, “British Locomotive Practice and Performance”, in Railway Magazine, page 119

He was sure they [the stars] were arranged in some order which had a secret and malign significance.

1891, Ambrose Bierce, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

malign ulcers

1625, Francis [Bacon], “Of Seditions and Troubles”, in The Essayes […], 3rd edition, London: […] Iohn Haviland for Hanna Barret

The obvious joy of England's players and supporters after that dramatic finale was another indicator that the Uefa Nations League, mocked and maligned at its inception, is capturing the public's imagination.

2018 November 18, Phil McNulty, “England 2 - 1 Croatia”, in BBC Sport‎

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

1692–1717, Robert South, Twelve Sermons Preached upon Several Occasions, 6th edition, volumes (please specify |volume=I to VI), London: […] J[ames] Bettenham, for Jonah Bowyer, […], published 1727

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

1596 (date written; published 1633), Edmund Spenser, A Vewe of the Present State of Irelande […], Dublin: […] Societie of Stationers, […]; republished as A View of the State of Ireland […] (Ancient Irish Histories), Dublin: […] Society of Stationers, […] Hibernia Press, […] [b]y John Morrison, 1809,