Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DIS-DAIN', v.t. [Fr. dedaigner; Sp. desdeñar; It. sdegnare; Port. desdenhar; L. dedignor; de, dis, and dignor, to think worthy; dignus, worthy. See Dignity.]

To think unworthy; to deem worthless; to consider to be unworthy of notice, care, regard, esteem, or unworthy of one's character; to scorn; to contemn. The man of elevated mind disdains a mean action; he disdains the society of profligate, worthless men; he disdains to corrupt the innocent or insult the weak. Goliath disdained David. Whose fathers I would have disdained to set with the dogs of my flock. – Job xxx.