Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Mildew
Mil′dew (mĭl′dū), n. [AS. meledeáw; akin to OHG. militou, G. mehlthau, mehltau; prob. orig. meaning, honeydew; cf. Goth. milip honey. See Mellifluous, and Dew.] (Bot.) A growth of minute powdery or webby fungi, whitish or of different colors, found on various diseased or decaying substances.
Mil′dew, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Mildewed; p. pr. & vb. n. Mildewing.] To taint with mildew.
He . . . mildews the white wheat. Shak.
Mil′dew, v. i. To become tainted with mildew.