Definitions for: Contumely

[n] a rude expression intended to offend or hurt; "when a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse"; "they yelled insults at the visiting team"

Webster (1913) Definition: Con"tu*me*ly, n. [L. contumelia, prob. akin to
contemnere to despise: cf. OF. contumelie. Cf. Contumacy.]
Rudeness compounded of haughtiness and contempt; scornful
insolence; despiteful treatment; disdain; contemptuousness in
act or speech; disgrace.

The oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely.
--Shak.

Nothing aggravates tyranny so much as contumely.
--Burke.

Synonyms: abuse, insult, revilement, vilification

See Also: billingsgate, cut, discourtesy, disrespect, invective, low blow, scurrility, stinger, vitriol, vituperation

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