/di spuyt"/ , prep., n., v., despited, despiting .
prep.
1. in spite of; notwithstanding.
n.
2. contemptuous treatment; insult.
3. malice, hatred, or spite.
4. in despite of , in spite of; notwithstanding: He was tolerant in despite of his background and education.
v.t.
5. Obs. to anger or annoy (someone) out of spite.
[ 1250-1300; orig. in despite of; ME despit despectus view from a height, scorn, equiv. to despec-, var. s. of despicere (see DESPICABLE) + -tus suffix of v. action ]
Syn. 1. See notwithstanding .