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.
Fools despise wisdom and
instruction.
Prov. i. 7.
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.