GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Despise , 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.
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   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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