Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DE-FRAY', v.t. [Fr. defrayer; de and frais, fraix, expense; Arm. defraei.]

1. To pay; to discharge, as cost or expense; to bear, as charge, cost or expense. It is followed chiefly by expense, charge or cost. The acquisitions of war seldom defray the expenses. The profits of a voyage will not always defray the charges, or even the cost of the first outfits.
2. To satisfy; as, to defray anger. [Obs.] – Spenser.
3. To fill; as, to defray a bottle. [Obs.] – Spenser.