Discomfit, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Discomfited; p. pr. & vb. n. Discomfiting.]
Etymology: [OF. desconfit, p. p. of desconfire, F. déconfire; fr. L. dis- + conficere to make ready, prepare, bring about. See Comfit, Fact.]
1. To scatter in fight; to put to rout; to defeat. And his proud foes discomfit in victorious field. Spenser.
2. To break up and frustrate the plans of; to balk Well, go with me and be not so discomfited. Shak.
Syn. -- To defeat; overthrow; overpower; vanquish; conquer; baffle; frustrate; confound; discourage.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Discomfit, a.
Discomfited; overthrown. [Obs.]
Discomfit, n.
Rout; overthrow; discomfiture. Such as discomfort as shall quite despoil him. Milton.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for discomfit; he lists it under conquer.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.