Dictionary entry

Deign (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Deign, v. i. To think worthy; to vouchsafe; to condescend; - - followed by an infinitive.

O deign to visit our forsaken seats. Pope.

Yet not Lord Cranstone deigned she greet. Sir W. Scott.

Round turned he, as not deigning

Those craven ranks to see. Macaulay.

In early English deign was often used impersonally.

Him deyneth not to set his foot to ground. Chaucer.