from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Defer \De*fer"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Deferred}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Deferring}.] [OE. differren, F. diff['e]rer, fr. L. differre
to delay, bear different ways; dis- + ferre to bear. See
{Bear} to support, and cf. {Differ}, {Defer} to offer.]
To put off; to postpone to a future time; to delay the
execution of; to delay; to withhold.
[1913 Webster]
Defer the spoil of the city until night. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
God . . . will not long defer
To vindicate the glory of his name. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]