deign--Jack

deign  (dn)

v. deigned, deign·ing, deigns

v.intr.

To think it appropriate to one's dignity; condescend: wouldn't deign to greet the servant who opened the door. See Synonyms at stoop¹.

v.tr.

To condescend to give or grant; vouchsafe. "Nor would we deign him burial of his men" (Shakespeare).


Context
Jack did not deign to respond to his peer's foolish comment.