† deˈpair, v. Obs.
Also depeyre, depeire.
[a. OF. des-, depeire-r, to despoil, f. des-, dé- (de- I. 6) + -peirer:—L. peiorāre: cf. appair, impair, and dispayre n.]
trans. To impair, injure, dilapidate.
| a 1460 Lydgate Lyfe of our Ladye (Caxton) E. 5, c. 1 (R.) As the tryed syluer is depeired. 1501 Douglas Pal. Hon. ii. xxii, Na wretchis word may depair ȝour hie name. 1513 Bradshaw St. Werburge i. 338 The corps hole and sounde was funde, verely..Nothyng depaired that ther coude be seen. 1568 T. Howell Arb. Amitie (1879) 63 Depaire no Church, nor auncient acte, in building be not sloe. |