verb: do something that one considers to be below one's dignity
From the Online Etymology Dictionary:
This word drips condescension all over the place. "We set up several appointments for these so-called high-level managers to pick up their new ID badges, so as far as I'm concerned, they can be signed in and treated as escorted visitors until they deign to come down and pick up their new badges."1297, from O.Fr. deignier, from L. dignari "to deem worthy or fit," from dignus "worthy" (see dignity). Sense of "take or accept graciously" led to that of "condescend" (1589).