Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DER'O-GATE, v.t. [L. derogo; de and rogo, to ask, to propose. In ancient Rome, rogo was used in proposing new laws, and derogo, in repealing some section of a law. Hence the sense is to take from or annul a part. Class Rg.]

1. To repeal, annul or destroy the force and effect of some part of a law or established rule; to lessen the extent of a law; distinguished from abrogate. By several contrary customs, many of the civil and canon laws are controlled and derogated. Hale.
2. To lessen the worth of a person or thing; to disparage. [In the foregoing senses, the word is now seldom used.]