De*fy" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defied (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Defying.] [F. d'efier, 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.
© Webster 1913.
De*fy" (?), n.
A challenge.
[Obs.]
Dryden.
© Webster 1913.