Defying

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  defy \de*fy"\ (d[-e]*f[imac]"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Defied}
     (d[-e]*f[imac]d"); p. pr. & vb. n. {Defying}.] [F. d['e]fier,
     OF. deffier, desfier, LL. disfidare to disown faith or
     fidelity, to dissolve the bond of allegiance, as between the
     vassal and his lord; hence, to challenge, defy; fr. L. dis- +
     fides faith. See {Faith}, and cf. {Diffident}, {Affiance}.]


     1. To renounce or dissolve all bonds of affiance, faith, or
        obligation with; to reject, refuse, or renounce. [Obs.]
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              I defy the surety and the bond.       --Chaucer.
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              For thee I have defied my constant mistress. --Beau.
                                                    & Fl.
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     2. To provoke to combat or strife; to call out to combat; to
        challenge; to dare; to brave; to set at defiance; to treat
        with contempt; as, to defy an enemy; to defy the power of
        a magistrate; to defy the arguments of an opponent; to
        defy public opinion.
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              I once again
              Defy thee to the trial of mortal fight. --Milton.
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              I defy the enemies of our constitution to show the
              contrary.                             --Burke.
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