▪ I. contumely, n.
(ˈkɒntjuːmɪlɪ)
[a. OF. contumelie, ad. L. contumēlia abuse, insult, reproach; in origin prob. cognate with contumax, in which the stem part tum- is of disputed etymology.]
1. Insolent reproach or abuse; insulting or offensively contemptuous language or treatment; despite; scornful rudeness; now, esp. such contemptuous treatment as tends to inflict dishonour and humiliation.
| c 1386 Chaucer Pars. T. ¶480 The sinne of contumelie or strif and cheste. 1526 Pilgr. Perf. (1531) 93 b, Detraccion is pryuely, contumely is openly done. 1576 Fleming Panopl. Epist. 159 Those that hearde tearmes of contumely thundred against your grace. 1602 Shakes. Ham. iii. i. 71 The Oppressors wrong, the poore mans Contumely. a 1679 Hobbes Rhet. (1840) 452 Contumely is the disgracing of another for his own pastime. 1762 Hume Hist. Eng. (1806) IV. liv. 183 To join contumely to cruelty. a 1845 Hood Bridge of Sighs, Perishing gloomily, Spurr'd by contumely. 1848 Dickens Dombey (C.D. ed.) 86 Which Mrs. Pipchin had with contumely and scorn rejected. |
2. (with a and pl.) An instance of contumely; an insult, an insolent reproach, a piece of scornful or contemptuous insolence.
| c 1450 Mirour Saluacioun 3694 In Jerusalem of his contumelies and the place of his passionne. 1576 Fleming Panopl. Epist. 248 He should have contumelies, and reproches, ringing about his eares. c 1615 Chapman Odyss. iii. 276 Who, pressing me with contumelies, dare Such things as past the power of utt'rance are. 1713 Steele in Englishm. No. 15. 97 A Freeman..will vindicate himself from all Contumelies. a 1864 Hawthorne Amer. Note-bks. (1879) I. 126 The pedlars find satisfaction for all contumelies in making good bargains. |
3. Contemptuous insult as it affects the sufferer: disgrace, reproach, humiliation.
| 1555 Eden Decades W. Ind. 137 The king thynketh it to sounde greatly to his contumely and reproche. 1659 Pearson Creed (1839) 18 It..casteth a kind of contumely upon the author of it. 1860 Holland Miss Gilbert iii. 48 He would outlive humiliation, contumely and hardship. |
▪ II. † contumely, v. Obs.—1
[a. OF. contumelie-r, f. contumelie: see prec.]
trans. To treat with contumely; to reproach insolently, insult.
| 1483 Caxton Gold. Leg. 424/1 She..said many Iniuryes & vylonyes to fyacre contumeleyng & blasphemyng hym. |