contumely

(känto̵̅o̅ mə lē, -tyo̵̅o̅-; känto̵̅o̅m lē, -tyo̵̅o̅m-; kən to̵omə lē, -tyo̵o-)

noun pl. contumelies

  1. haughty and contemptuous rudeness; insulting and humiliating treatment or language
  2. an instance of this; scornful insult

Origin: ME contumelie < OFr < L contumelia, a reproach, abuse; prob. akin to contumacy

See contumely in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. con·tu·me·lies
  1. Rudeness or contempt arising from arrogance; insolence.
  2. An insolent or arrogant remark or act.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English contumelie

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin contumēlia

Origin: ; akin to contumāx, insolent

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Related Forms:

  • conˌtu·meˈli·ous (kŏnˌtə-mēˈlē-əs) adjective
  • conˌtu·meˈli·ous·ly adverb

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