defray Meaning, Definition & Usage

De*fray" transitive verb

Etymology

F. défrayer; pref. dé- (L. de or dis-) + frais expense, fr. LL. fredum, fridum, expense, fine by which an offender obtained peace from his sovereign, or more likely, atoned for an offense against the public peace, fr. OHG. fridu peace, G. friede. See Affray.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Defrayed ; present participle & verbal noun Defraying

Definitions

1. To pay or discharge; to serve in payment of; to provide for, as a charge, debt, expenses, costs, etc.

   For the discharge of his expenses, and defraying his cost, he allowed him . . . four times as much. Usher.

2. To avert or appease, as by paying off; to satisfy; as, to defray wrath. Obs. Spenser.