| 释义 |
discomfiture|dɪsˈkʌmfɪtjʊə(r)|
Forms: 4 desconfiture, 5 -comfiture, 4– dis-. See also the shortened scomfiture.
[a. OF. desconfiture rout, defeat (12th c. in Hatz.-Darm.), F. déconfiture, = Pr. descofitura, OIt. sconfittura, med.L. disconfectūra, f. disconficĕre to rout, overthrow (Du Cange): see discomfit and -ure.]
The action of discomfiting, or fact of being discomfited.
1. Complete defeat in battle, overthrow, rout.
c1330R. Brunne Chron. Wace (Rolls) 14212 Moddred ne myghte in bataille dure But euere was at desconfiture. c1400Mandeville (Roxb.) xiii. 56 When he come fra þe descomfiture of his enmys. 1489Caxton Faytes of A. i. viii. 20 After the desconfiture Hanybal dyde doo serche the felde. 1560Rolland Crt. Venus ii. 234 Of Italie siclik disconfeitour. 1591Shakes. 1 Hen. VI, i. i. 59 Sad tidings bring I..Of losse, of slaughter, and discomfiture. 1777Robertson Hist. Amer. (1778) II. v. 84 A few days after the discomfiture of Narvaez, a courier arrived. 1849Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 561 What army commanded by a debating club ever escaped discomfiture and disgrace?
2. gen.
a. Defeat, overthrow, or frustration of plans or hopes; utter disappointment.
b. Complete disconcertment or putting to confusion.
c1374Chaucer Anel. & Arc. 326 For in the worlde nys Creature Wakynge in moore discumfiture Þane I. 1513Bradshaw St. Werburge i. 2140 Yet after all heuynesse, penaunce, and dysconfyture, She reioysed in soule. 1675Art Contentm. x. v. 231 That accursed thing which has caused our discomfeiture. 1828Life Planter Jamaica 79 To rely upon promises..would end in regret and discomfiture. 1885Dunckley in Manch. Exam. 23 Mar. 6/1 A ripple of laughter follows the discomfiture of his questioner.
†3. Physical damage or injury. Obs. rare.
1599H. Buttes Dyets drie Dinner A a iij b, If thy lungs have tane discomfiture By slie assault of Rume. |