late Middle English (also in the sense 'put on one side'): from Old French differer 'defer or differ', from Latin differre, from dis- 'apart' + ferre 'bring, carry'. Comparedefer and differlate Middle English: from Old French deferer, from Latin deferre 'carry away, refer (a matter'), from de- 'away from' + ferre 'bring, carry'. Comparedefer