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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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defy \de*fy"\ (d[-e]*f[imac]"), n.
A challenge. [Obs.] --Dryden.
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