brand vs stain

brand

verb
  • To stigmatize, label (someone). 

  • To burn the flesh with a hot iron, either as a marker (for criminals, slaves etc.) or to cauterise a wound. 

  • To mark (especially cattle) with a brand as proof of ownership. 

  • To make an indelible impression on the memory or senses. 

  • To associate a product or service with a trademark or other name and related images. 

noun
  • A specific product, service, or provider so distinguished. 

  • A torch used for signaling. 

  • Any minute fungus producing a burnt appearance in plants. 

  • Any specific type or variety of something; a distinct style or manner. 

  • A branding iron. 

  • A mark or scar made by burning with a hot iron, especially to mark cattle or to classify the contents of a cask. 

  • The symbolic identity, represented by a name and/or a logo, which indicates a certain product or service to the public. 

  • The public image or reputation and recognized, typical style of an individual or group. 

  • A mark of infamy; stigma. 

stain

verb
  • To taint or tarnish someone's character or reputation 

  • To cause to seem inferior or soiled by comparison. 

  • To coat a surface with a stain 

  • To treat (a microscopic specimen) with a dye, especially one that dyes specific features 

  • To discolour. 

  • To become stained; to take a stain. 

noun
  • A reagent or dye used to stain microscope specimens so as to make some structures visible. 

  • A discoloured spot or area. 

  • Any of a number of non-standard tinctures used in modern heraldry. 

  • A blemish on one's character or reputation. 

  • A substance used to soak into a surface and colour it. 

How often have the words brand and stain occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )