deraign

1 of 2

transitive verb (1)

de·​raign

də̇ˈrān,

dē-

-ed/-ing/-s

archaic

: to defend or prove (a claim) or settle (a dispute) especially in personal combat

deraign

2 of 2

transitive verb (2)

"

-ed/-ing/-s

archaic

: to discharge from a religious order

deraignment noun

plural -s

obsolete

Word History

Etymology

Transitive verb (1)

Middle English dereynen, deraynen, from Old French deraisnier to defend, champion, from de- + raisnier to speak, plead, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin rationare, from Latin ration-, ratio reckoning, calculation, reason

Transitive verb (2)

Middle French desrengier to get out of place, disarrange

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now