I. ˈspərn verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English spurnan; akin to Old High German spurnan to kick, Latin spernere to spurn, Greek spairein to quiver
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1. obsolete
a. : stumble
b. : kick 1a
2. archaic : to reject something disdainfully
transitive verb
1. : to tread sharply or heavily upon : trample
2. : to reject with disdain or contempt : scorn
Synonyms: see decline
• spurn·er noun
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : kick 1a
b. obsolete : stumble
2.
a. : disdainful rejection
b. : contemptuous treatment