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A.Word.A.Day--deign deign (dayn) verb tr. and intr. To do something reluctantly as if it's beneath one's dignity; to condescend. [From Middle English deinen, from Old French deignier (to deem worthy), from Latin dignare, a form of dignari, from dignus (worthy). Ultimately from Indo-European root dek- (to take or accept). Other words from the same root are decent, doctor, paradox, decorate, dignity, disdain, indignant, and disciple.] Today's word in Visual Thesaurus. "But he deigned to unleash several less than flattering comments." Andy Edelstein; Memorable Moments; Newsday (New York); May 23, 2004. "After a quarter of an hour, he even deigns to remove his sunglasses (always a good idea when inside a windowless room)." Usher: King of Bling; Independent (London, UK); May 29, 2004. This week's theme: words to highlight rankism. X-Bonus Our society must make it right and possible for old people not to fear the young or be deserted by them, for the test of a civilization is the way that it cares for its helpless members. -Pearl S. Buck, Nobelist novelist (1892-1973)

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