Webster's English Dictionary

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contempt

con.tempt \k*n-'tem(p)t\ n [ME, fr. L contemptus, fr. contemptus, pp. of 
   contemnere] 1a: the act of despising or the state of mind of one who 
   despises : DI SDAIN 1b: lack of respect or reverence for something  2: the 
   state of being despised  3: willful disobedience to or open disrespect of a 
   court, judge, or legisla tive body