from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Despise \De*spise"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Despised}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Despising}.] [OF. despis-, in some forms of despire
to despise, fr. L. despicere, despectum, to look down upon,
despise; de- + spicere, specere, to look. See {Spy}, and cf.
{Despicable}, {Despite}.]
To look down upon with disfavor or contempt; to contemn; to
scorn; to disdain; to have a low opinion or contemptuous
dislike of.
[1913 Webster]
Fools despise wisdom and instruction. --Prov. i. 7.
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Men naturally despise those who court them, but respect
those who do not give way to them. --Jowett
(Thucyd. ).
Syn: To contemn; scorn; disdain; slight; undervalue. See
{Contemn}.
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