Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—A

Aspersions

properly means “sprinklings” or “scatterings.” Its present meaning is base insinuations or slanders.

No sweet aspersion [rain ] shall the heavens let fall
To make this contract grow.

Shakespeare: The Tempest
, iv. 1.
Casting aspersions on one
, i.e. sprinkling with calumnies, slandering or insinuating misconduct. 
I defy all the world to cast a just aspersion on my character.
—Fielding: Tom Jones.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Asphaltic Lake
Aspen
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