Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AF-FRONT', v.t. [Fr. affronter, to encounter face to face, of ad and L. frons, front, face.]

1. Literally, to meet or encounter face to face, in a good or bad sense; as, The seditious affronted the king's forces. – Hayward. Milton. Shak. [The foregoing sense is obsolete.]
2. To offer abuse to the face; to insult, dare or brave openly; to offer abuse or insult in any manner, by words or action; as, to affront one by giving him the lie.
3. To abuse, or give cause of offense to, without being present with the person; to make slightly angry; a popular use of the word.