deign Hear it!

deign definition

deign (dān)

intransitive verb

to condescend to do something thought to be slightly beneath one's dignity the duchess deigned to shake my hand

Etymology: ME deignen < OFr deignier < L dignare, dignari, to deem worthy < dignus, worthy: see dignity

transitive verb

to condescend to give to deign no answer

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.