/di fuy"euhns/ , n.
1. a daring or bold resistance to authority or to any opposing force.
2. open disregard; contempt (often fol. by of ): defiance of danger; His refusal amounted to defiance.
3. a challenge to meet in combat or in a contest.
4. bid defiance to , to offer resistance; defy.
5. in defiance of , in spite of; notwithstanding: There was a splendid audience in defiance of the rainstorm.
[ 1250-1300; ME defi ( er ) to DEFY + -ance -ANCE ]