1530s, "to alter, change over, transport," from Latin traducere "change over, convert," originally "lead along or across, transfer," from trans- "across" (see trans-) + ducere "to lead" (see duke (n.)). Sense of "defame, slander" (1580s) is from Latin traducere in the sense of "to scorn or disgrace," probably from the notion of "to lead along as a spectacle." Related: Traduced; traducing.