[con.tempt] n [ME, fr. L contemptus, fr. contemnere] (14c) 1 a: the act of despising: the state of mind of one who despises: disdain b: lack of respect or reverence for something
2: the state of being despised
3: willful disobedience to or open disrespect of a court, judge, or legislative body "~ of court"