imputation

[ im-pyoo-tey-shuh n ]

/ ˌɪm pyʊˈteɪ ʃən /

the act of imputing.

an attribution, as of fault or crime; accusation.

Origin of imputation

1535–45; < Late Latin imputātiōn- (stem of imputātiō), equivalent to Latin imputāt(us) past participle of imputāre to ascribe, impute + -iōn- -ion

BH: Well, for many years I resisted the imputation that Edna was based on my own mother.

Dame Edna Mouths Off |Kevin Sessums |March 17, 2010 |DAILY BEAST
In any event, she came forth with this imputation of careless work on the part of Dr. Lennon, an academic of some stature.

Norman Mailer vs. Everyone |Norman Mailer |February 27, 2009 |DAILY BEAST
Lola, it seems, resents highly any imputation upon her good name, and demands proof of her losses.

Harper's New Monthly Magazine, No. XXIV, May 1852, Vol. IV |Various
But one thing he could not bear, and that was an imputation of faithlessness in his stewardship.

The Call of the Blood |Robert Smythe Hichens

Jonathan Swift is generally regarded as a free liver, though probably the company he kept is often answerable for the imputation.

Nineteen Centuries of Drink in England |Richard Valpy French
Ronder ought at once to resent any imputation on his honesty.

The Cathedral |Sir Hugh Walpole
I not only acquit De Quincey of all serious moral delinquency,—I declare distinctly that no imputation of it was ever intended.

Essays in English Literature, 1780-1860 |George Saintsbury