Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DE-SPISE', v.t. [despi'ze; I doubt whether this word is formed from the L. despicio. In Sp. and Port. pisar is to tread down, and to despise. It appears to be of different origin from despite, and to be formed on the root of the Spanish word. We probably see its affinities in Sp. pison, a rammer, and the L. piso, to stamp, whence pistillum, Eng. pestle, piston, &c. The primary sense then is to thrust, drive, and hence to cast off or tread down, to despise.]

1. To condemn; to scorn; to disdain; to have the lowest opinion of. Fools despise wisdom and instruction. – Prov. i. Else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. – Matth. vi.
2. To abhor. – Shak.