Defile /(dē̇*fīl")/

imp. & p. p. Defiled; p. pr. & vb. n. Defiling

1. To march off in a line, file by file; to file off.

1. Same as Defilade. (Mil.)

1. Any narrow passage or gorge in which troops can march only in a file, or with a narrow front; a long, narrow pass between hills, rocks, etc.
2. The act of defilading a fortress, or of raising the exterior works in order to protect the interior. See Defilade. (Mil.)

1. To make foul or impure; to make filthy; to dirty; to befoul; to pollute.

   They that touch pitch will be defiled.

2. To soil or sully; to tarnish, as reputation; to taint.

   He is . . . among the greatest prelates of this age, however his character may be defiled by . . . dirty hands.

3. To injure in purity of character; to corrupt.

   Defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt.

4. To corrupt the chastity of; to debauch; to violate; to rape.

   The husband murder'd and the wife defiled.

5. To make ceremonially unclean; to pollute.

   That which dieth of itself, or is torn with beasts, he shall not eat to defile therewith.