from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
deprecate \dep"re*cate\ (d[e^]p"r[-e]*k[=a]t), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. {Deprecated} (-k[=a]`t[e^]d); p. pr. & vb. n.
{Deprecating} (-k[=a]`t[i^]ng).] [L. deprecatus, p. p. of
deprecari to avert by prayer, to deprecate; de- + precari to
pray. See {Pray}.]
To pray against, as an evil; to seek to avert by prayer; to
seek deliverance from; to express deep regret for; to desire
the removal of. [archaic]
[1913 Webster]
2. To protest against; to advance reasons against.
[PJC]
His purpose was deprecated by all round him, and he
was with difficulty induced to adandon it. --Sir W.
Scott.
[1913 Webster]
3. To disapprove of strongly; to express a low opinion of.
[PJC]