WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : De*fy"
Part of Speech : v.
Etymology : [F. d?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.]
Definition : 1. To renounce or dissolve all bonds of affiance, faith, or obligation with; to reject, refuse, or renounce. [Obs.] I defy the surety and the bond. Chaucer. For thee I have defied my constant mistress. Beau. & Fl.

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. I once again Defy thee to the trial of mortal fight. Milton. I defy the enemies of our constitution to show the contrary. Burke.

t. [imp. & p. p. Defied; p. pr. & vb. n. Defying.]
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : De*fy"
Part of Speech : n.
Definition : Defn: A challenge. [Obs.] Dryden.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913