defray
verb (used with object)
to bear or pay all or part of (the costs, expenses, etc.).
had defrayed
-
past perfectof defray.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For 75 years ago Khedive Ismail Pasha had defrayed the costs of his irrepressible gallantries by selling a European company the right to construct and operate the canal across the Isthmus of Suez.
From Time Magazine Archive
Pitt had waged war with characteristic profusion, and he had defrayed the cost of the war by enormous loans.
From History of the English People, Volume VII The Revolution, 1683-1760; Modern England, 1760-1767 by John Richard Green
The methods by which the Ring proposed to benefit themselves were clear enough, but its members fled before they succeeded in reimbursing themselves for the preliminary expenses which they had defrayed.
From Opening Ceremonies of the New York and Brooklyn Bridge, May 24, 1883 by William C. Kingsley
In consequence, the English Company, which had defrayed the expenses of both attempts, declined to proceed further.
From Celebrated Travels and Travellers Part I. The Exploration of the World by Dora Leigh
When Louis entered college, and during the whole course of his education there, Mr. Gleason had defrayed his necessary expenses, and supplied him liberally with spending money.
From Helen and Arthur or, Miss Thusa's Spinning Wheel by Caroline Lee Hentz
