n.
- the feeling that someone or something is worthless or beneath consideration.
-
(also contempt of court)
the offence of being disobedient to or disrespectful of a court of law.
Phrase
- beneath contempt
utterly worthless or despicable. - hold someone in contempt
judge someone to be in contempt of court. - hold someone/thing in contempt
despise someone or something.
Etymology
ME: from L. contemptus, from contemnere (see contemn).