Both Uses of
taint
in
The Age of Innocence
- Her surprise increased with her indifference: he almost fancied that she suspected him of being tainted with "foreignness."†
Chpt 20 *
- If society chose to open its doors to vulgar women the harm was not great, though the gain was doubtful; but once it got in the way of tolerating men of obscure origin and tainted wealth the end was total disintegration—and at no distant date.†
Chpt 33
Definition:
-
(taint) to spoil something so it is not desirable -- as when bacteria contaminates a food; or as when a rumor makes people distrust a person