n. The act of despising; the feeling caused by what is considered to be mean, vile, or worthless; disdain; scorn for what is mean.n. The state of being despised; shame; disgrace.n. In law, disobedience to, or open disrespect of, the rules, orders, or process of a court or of a legislative assembly, or a disturbance or interruption of its proceedings: called in full, when used in relation to judicial authority, contempt of court.