Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
contumacious. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
contumacious, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
contumacious in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
contumacious you have here. The definition of the word
contumacious will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
contumacious, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From Latin contumāx (“stubborn, obstinate”) + -ious.
Pronunciation
Adjective
contumacious (comparative more contumacious, superlative most contumacious)
- Contemptuous of authority; willfully disobedient; rebellious.
1671, John Milton, “Samson Agonistes”, in Henry John Todd, editor, The Poetical Works of John Milton, volume 4, published 1801, page 505:[…] and, on his conſtancie, ſounds an accuſation to Herod of a contumacious affront, on ſuch a day, before many peers; præpares the king to ſome paſſion, and at laſt, by her daughter’s dancing, effects it.
1837, Thomas Carlyle, chapter IV, in The French Revolution: A History , volume II (The Constitution), London: Chapman and Hall, →OCLC, book V (Parliament First):In all places too are Dissident Priests; whom the Legislative will have to deal with: contumacious individuals, working on that angriest of passions; plotting, enlisting.
(law) Willfully disobedient to the summons or orders of a court.
Synonyms
Translations
contemptuous of authority
in law, willfully disobedient