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Johnleo Posted 16 years ago
Vocabulary

Defy me to the contest

I wished to buy something at her sale, and I bid higher and higher for this book out of mere obstinacy and to annoy some one else, who was equally keen to obtain it, and who seemed to defy me to the contest.



What does defy here mean?
  

Top answer

Hi, The phrase in red is not natural or idiomatic. I don't really understand the meaning. Was it written by a native speaker?

— Clive

  • Hi, The phrase in red is not natural or idiomatic.
  • I don't really understand the meaning.
  • Was it written by a native speaker?
  • Maybe 'who wanted to compete with me'?
  • But really, I'm just guessing.
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7 Answers
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Hi,

The phrase in red is not natural or idiomatic. I don't really understand the meaning. Was it written by a native speaker?

Maybe 'who wanted to compete with me'? But really, I'm just guessing.

Clive
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Challenge me to the contest.
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It's from The Lady of the Camellias translated by Sir Edmond Gosse.
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Hi,

That explains why it doesn't sound like modern English.

Clive
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Thanks, Clive. So you think the reply Keli gave is probable?
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