v. 1 intr. a (often foll. by from) give up office, one's employment, etc. (resigned from the Home Office). b (often foll. by as) retire (resigned as chief executive). 2 tr. (often foll. by to, into) relinquish; surrender; hand over (a right, charge, task, etc.). 3 tr. give up (hope etc.). 4 refl. (usu. foll. by to) a reconcile (oneself, one's mind, etc.) to the inevitable (have resigned myself to the idea). b surrender (oneself to another's guidance). 5 intr. Chess etc. discontinue play and admit defeat. resigner n.
[ ME f. OF resigner f. L resignare unseal, cancel (as RE-, signare sign, seal) ]