contumacy

noun

con·​tu·​ma·​cy kən-ˈtü-mə-sē How to pronounce contumacy (audio)
-ˈtyü-;
ˈkän-tü-,
-tyü-,
-chə- How to pronounce contumacy (audio)
Synonyms of contumacynext
: stubborn resistance to authority
specifically : willful contempt of court

Synonyms

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Examples of contumacy in a Sentence

a rogue archbishop who was excommunicated on grounds of contumacy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contumacie, from Anglo-French, from Latin contumacia, from contumac-, contumax rebellious

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contumacy was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near contumacy

contumacious

contumacy

contumelious

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Contumacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contumacy. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Legal Definition

contumacy

noun
con·​tu·​ma·​cy kən-ˈtü-mə-sē, -ˈtyü-; ˈkän-tə-mə-sē, -tyə- How to pronounce contumacy (audio)
: willful disobedience of a court order
contumacious
ˌkän-tü-ˈmā-shəs, -tyü- How to pronounce contumacy (audio)
adjective
Etymology

Latin contumacia, literally, defiance, obstinacy

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