gainsay Meaning, Definition & Usage

Gain`say" transitive verb

Etymology

OE. geinseien, ageinseien. See Again, and Say to utter.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Gainsaid present participle & verbal noun Gainsaying

Definitions

1. To contradict; to deny; to controvert; to dispute; to forbid.

   I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. Luke xxi. 15.

   The just gods gainsay That any drop thou borrow'dst from thy mother, My sacred aunt, should by my mortal sword Be drained. Shak.