deign
verb (used without object)
to think it appropriate to or in accordance with one's dignity; condescend.
had deigned
-
past perfectof deign.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.
Until this spring, no bird had deigned to nest in the Chalet.
From Washington Post ● May 30, 2022
Of the two scanners that the Board of Elections had deigned to make available, only one was functional; the other had gone on the fritz before seven in the morning.
From The New Yorker ● Nov. 7, 2018
Some dog owners had deigned to bag up the offending substance, but found it beyond their powers to carry the baggie to a trash receptacle.
From New York Times ● Mar. 10, 2015
After the draw with Poland in 1973, Ramsey lingered for six months while England's absence for the first time from a World Cup finals tournament that they had deigned to enter sank in.
From The Guardian ● Oct. 11, 2012
“What did he go to sea for?” inquired Carl; for the first time he had deigned to listen to some of Paul’s adventures, and he found himself getting very much interested.
From Jane Lends A Hand by Shirley Watkins
