De-fy'1, v. t.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. DEFIED; p. pr. & vb. n. DEFYING.] [Fr. défier, O. Fr. desfier, desfier, Pr. desfiar, desfizar, desafiar, It. disfidare, sfidare, O. P. desfiar, Sp. & Pg. desafiar, L. Lat. diffidare, properly, to commit a breach of faith, especially by letter, from Lat. dis, and fides, faith; originally, to dissolve the bond of allegiance, as between the vassal and his lord; hence, to disown, to denounce enmity and war, to challenge, to defy.] 1. To renounce alliance, 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 act in hostility to; to call out to combat; to challenge; to dare; to brave; 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.