Aspersion

Webster's Dictionary

(1): (n.) A sprinkling, as with water or dust, in a literal sense.

(2): (n.) The spreading of calumniations reports or charges which tarnish reputation, like the bespattering of a body with foul water; calumny.

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(1.) a name given by the early writers to baptism by pouring or sprinkling. (See Baptism).

(2.) In the Roman Church, sprinkling of person or things with the so-called holy water is called " aspersion." The water is mixed with salt, and blessed by a given form of benediction for use in the church or at the altar.- Boissonnet, Diet. des Ceremonies, p. 105. (See Holy Water).