All 3 Uses of
defer
in
The Aeneid
- Had you deferr'd, at least, your hasty flight, And left behind some pledge of our delight, Some babe to bless the mother's mournful sight, Some young Aeneas, to supply your place, Whose features might express his father's face; I should not then complain to live bereft Of all my husband, or be wholly left."†
Book 4
- Grant that the Fates have firm'd, by their decree, The Trojan race to reign in Italy; At least I can defer the nuptial day, And with protracted wars the peace delay: With blood the dear alliance shall be bought, And both the people near destruction brought; So shall the son-in-law and father join, With ruin, war, and waste of either line.†
Book 7 *
- Now Nisus and his friend approach the guard, And beg admission, eager to be heard: Th' affair important, not to be deferr'd.†
Book 9 *
Definitions:
-
(defer as in: deferred the decision) delay or postpone (hold off until a later time)
-
(defer as in: deferred to her wishes) submit or yield (typically to another person's opinion because of respect for that person or their knowledge)