deign (v.)

c. 1300, deinen, "think worthy, think well of, regard as suited to one's dignity," from Old French deignier (Modern French daigner) and directly from Latin dignari "to deem worthy or fit" (source of Italian degnare, Spanish deñar), from dignus "worthy," from PIE root *dek- "to take, accept." Sense of "take or accept graciously" led to that of "condescend" (1580s), with an infinitive for an object. Related: Deigned; deigning.