deign

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English [edit]

Etymology [edit]

From Middle English deignen, from Old French deignier (consider worthy), from Latin dignārī, present active infinitive of digno (consider worthy), from dignus (worthy). Cognate to dignity.

Pronunciation [edit]

Verb [edit]

deign (third-person singular simple present deigns, present participle deigning, simple past and past participle deigned)

  1. (intransitive) To condescend; to accept as appropriate to one's dignity.
    He didn't even deign to give us a nod of the head; he thought us that far beneath him.
    The priest deigned a glance at the girl, but replied to her by addressing her husband.
  2. (transitive) To condescend to give; to do something.
    They didn't deign us our clothing before we were put outside.

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Anagrams [edit]