n.1 a feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration or worthless, or deserving scorn or extreme reproach.
2 the condition of being held in contempt.
3 (in full contempt of court) disobedience to or disrespect for a court of law and its officers.
Phrases and idioms:
beneath contempt utterly despicable. hold in contempt despise.
Etymology: ME f. L contemptus (as contemn)