Definition for CON-TEMPT'

CON-TEMPT', n. [L. contemptus. See Contemn.]

  1. The act of despising; the act of viewing or considering and treating as mean, vile and worthless; disdain; hatred of what is mean or deemed vile. This word is one of the strongest expressions of a mean opinion which the language affords. Nothing, says Longinus, can be great, the contempt of which is great. – Addison.
  2. The state of being despised; whence, in a Scriptural sense, shame, disgrace. Some shall awake to everlasting contempt. – Dan. xii.
  3. In law, disobedience of the rules and orders of a court which is a punishable offense.

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