De*fi"ance (?), n. [OF. defiance, desfiance, challenge, fr. desfier to challenge, F. d'efier. See Defy.]

1.

The act of defying, putting in opposition, or provoking to combat; a challenge; a provocation; a summons to combat.

A war without a just defiance made. Dryden.

Stood for her cause, and flung defiance down. Tennyson.

2.

A state of opposition; willingness to flight; disposition to resist; contempt of opposition.

He breathed defiance to my ears. Shak.

3.

A casting aside; renunciation; rejection.

[Obs.] "Defiance to thy kindness."

Ford.

To bid defiance, To set at defiance, to defy; to disregard recklessly or contemptuously.

Locke.

 

© Webster 1913.

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