defy

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Defied p. pr. & vb. n. Defying. ] [ F. défier, 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 ]