De*trac"tion (?), n. [F. d'etraction, L. detractio.]
1.
A taking away or withdrawing.
[Obs.]
The detraction of the eggs of the said wild fowl.
Bacon.
2.
The act of taking away from the reputation or good name of another; a lessening or cheapening in the estimation of others; the act of depreciating another, from envy or malice; calumny.
Syn. -- Depreciation; disparagement; derogation; slander; calumny; aspersion; censure.
© Webster 1913.