n. [ L. contemptus, fr. contemnere: cf. OF. contempt. See Contemn. ]
Criminal contempt of public feeling. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]
Nothing, says Longinus, can be great, the contempt of which is great. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]
Contempt and begarry hangs upon thy back. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
Little insults and contempts. Spectator. [ 1913 Webster ]
The contempt and anger of his lip. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
☞ Contempt is in some jurisdictions extended so as to include publications reflecting injuriously on a court of justice, or commenting unfairly on pending proceedings; in other jurisdictions the courts are prohibited by statute or by the constitution from thus exercising this process.
n. The quality of being contemptible; contemptibleness. Speed. [ 1913 Webster ]
a.
The arguments of tyranny are ascontemptible as its force is dreadful. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]
If she should make tender of her love, 't is very possible he 'll scorn it; for the man . . . hath a contemptible spirit. Shak.
n. The state or quality of being contemptible, or of being despised. [ 1913 Webster ]
adv. In a contemptible manner. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Manifesting or expressing contempt or disdain; scornful; haughty; insolent; disdainful. [ 1913 Webster ]
A proud, contemptuous behavior. Hammond. [ 1913 Webster ]
Savage invective and contemptuous sarcasm. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]
Rome . . . entertained the most contemptuous opinion of the Jews. Atterbury.
adv. In a contemptuous manner; with scorn or disdain; despitefully. [ 1913 Webster ]
The apostles and most eminent Christians were poor, and used contemptuously. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. Disposition to or manifestion of contempt; insolence; haughtiness. [ 1913 Webster ]