Webster's English Dictionary

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defer

Cross references:
  1. yield                 
 
1. de.fer \di-'f*r\ vt or de.ferred;  or de.fer.ring [ME deferren, 
   differren, fr. MF differer, fr. L differreX to postpone, be different - 
   more at DIFFER : to put off : DELAY {~s action on the bill}M mean to delay 
   an action or proceeding. DEFER implies a deliberate putting off to a later 
   time; it may also imply a delay in fulfillment or attainment {hopes long 
   deferred} POSTPONE implies an intentional deferring usu. to a definite 
   time; INTERMIT implies a stopping for a short or set interval usu. with 
   expectation of quick resumption; SUSPEND also implies temporary stoppage 
   with an added suggestion of waiting until some condition is satisfied; STAY 
   suggests the stopping or checking by an intervening agency or authority - 
   de.fer.rer n SYN syn DEFER, POSTPONE, INTERMIT, SUSPEND, STAY) 
2. defer vb or deferred;  or deferring [ME deferren, differren, fr. MF 
   deferer, defferer, fr.]LL deferre, fr. L, to bring down, bring, fr. de- + 
   ferre to carry 1: to refer for decision  2: PROFFER  : to submit or yield 
   to another's wish or opinion