Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for CON'TU-ME-LY
CON-TU-ME'LI-OUS-NESSCON-TUND'
CON'TU-ME-LY, n. [L. contumelia, from contumeo; con and tumeo, to swell.]
Rudeness or reproach compounded of haughtiness and contempt; contemptuousness; insolence; contemptuous language. The oppressor's wrong; the proud men's contumely. – Shak.
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