deprecate \dep"re*cate\ (d[e^]p"r[-e]*k[=a]t), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Deprecated} (-k[=a]`t[e^]d); p. pr. & vb. n. {Deprecating} (-k[=a]`t[i^]ng).] [L. deprecatus, p. p. of deprecari to avert by prayer, to deprecate; de- + precari to pray. See {Pray}.] To pray against, as an evil; to seek to avert by prayer; to seek deliverance from; to express deep regret for; to desire the removal of. [archaic]
2. To protest against; to advance reasons against. [PJC]
His purpose was deprecated by all round him, and he was with difficulty induced to adandon it. --Sir W. Scott.
3. To disapprove of strongly; to express a low opinion of. [PJC]
Furthermore, he described his own company as an 'amateur' in the gold business when compared with other, more substantial, gold producers. Mr Yearly says: 'I certainly would not deprecate any of the mineral properties mentioned in the article.