De*fy" (?), n. A challenge. [Obs.]
Dryden.
De*fy" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defied (?);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Defying.]
[F. défier, 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.]
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.
Hear it pronounced