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.
DEFY
De*fy", n.
Defn: A challenge. [Obs.] Dryden.
DEGAGE Dé`ga`gé", a. [F., p. p. of dégager to disengage. See De-, lst Gage, and cf. Disgage.]
Defn: Unconstrained; easy; free. Vanbrugh.
A graceful and dégagé manner.
Poe.
DEGARNISH
De*gar"nish, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Degarnished; p. pr. & vb. n.
Degarnishing.] Etym: [F. dégarnir; pref. dé-, des- (L. dis-) + garnir
to furnish. See Garnish, and cf. Disgarnish.]
1. To strip or deprive of entirely, as of furniture, ornaments, etc.; to disgarnish; as, to degarnish a house, etc. [R.]
2. To deprive of a garrison, or of troops necessary for defense; as, to degarnish a city or fort. [R.] Washington.
DEGARNISHMENT
De*gar"nish*ment, n.