De-fī'ançe, n.

n. [O. Fr. defiance, defiance, defi, challenge, Pr. desfianza, desafizanza, It. disfidanza, disfida, L. Lat. diffidantia. See DEFY.]

1. The act of defying, putting in opposition, or provoking to combat; a challenge; a provocation; a summons to combat. “A war without a just defiance made.” Dryden. “A trumpet of defiance.” Motley.
2. A state of opposition; willingness to fight; disposition to resist. “He breathed defiance to my ears.” Shak.

A chivalrous defiance, which well nigh cost him his life. Prescott. 3. A casting aside; rejection. [Obs.] “Defiance to thy kindness.” Ford.