- malediction
- 1447, from O.Fr. maledicion, from L. maledictionem (nom. maledictio) "the action of speaking evil of, slander," in L.L. "a curse," from maledictus, pp. of maledicere "to speak badly or evil of, slander," from male "badly" (see mal-) + dicere "to say" (see diction).