Webster's English Dictionary

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despite

1. de.spite \di-'spi-t\ n [ME, fr. OF despit, fr. L despectus, fr. 
   despectus, pp. of Xdespicere 1: the feeling or attitude of despising : 
   CONTEMPT  2: MALICE, SPITE  3a: an act showing contempt or defiance  3b: 
   HARM, INJURY  : in spite of  - in despite of 
2. despite vt obs  : to vex or injure spitefully 
3. despite pp : in spite of : NOTWITHSTANDING {ran ~ his injury}