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.

 

© Webster 1913.