SMIRCH

The Oxford English Dictonary Online defines "smirch" as: "To make dirty, soil, sully, or discolour (something) by contact or touch." Celia will disguise herself as a vagrant in order to escape into the Forest with Rosalind. As part of this disguise, she will not only dress a poor person, but she will dirty her face as well. This retreat into the role of the beggar then makes another definiton of the word applicable: "To cast discredit or disgrace upon (a person, his honour, etc.); to bring into ill-repute; to taint or tarnish. Said of actions, etc., or of persons." She will be taking on the persona of one who is at the bottom of the social order, one who is considered a disgrace, and therefore will, in essence, be bringing disgrace upon her own name, at least temporarily.

Back to As You Like It