ETYMOLOGY
from malign (adj.), from Latin malignus (evil-disposed),
from malus (evil) + -gnus, from base of gignere (to beget, produce, devise)
EXAMPLE
“… for as by the bad is the good knowen, so by the sower is the sweete the better discerned, and by the darkenesse of the night may a man iudge the brightnesse of the day, in so much that I wholy perswade with my selfe that lightly your Honour will pardon my attempt, and fond presumption, in being bold vnder your honours patronage to shield me with defence against such carping, blustering, and malignious tongues, which not onely doo perillously shake at, yea, and indeuour mainely to beat downe, and confute not onely all kind of blossomes, and young budded fruites…”
From: Florio His Firste Fruites which yeelde Familiar Speech, Merie Prouerbes, Wittie Sentences, and Golden Sayings
By John Florio, 1578
Lexicophilia 