Defying

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.] [1913 Webster]

I defy the surety and the bond. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

For thee I have defied my constant mistress. --Beau. & Fl. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

I once again Defy thee to the trial of mortal fight. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

I defy the enemies of our constitution to show the contrary. --Burke. [1913 Webster]