De*test" (?), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Detested; p. pr. & vb. n.
Detesting.] [L. detestare, detestatum, and
detestari, to curse while calling a deity to witness, to
execrate, detest; de + testari to be a witness,
testify, testis a witness: cf. F. détester. See
Testify.] 1. To witness against; to
denounce; to condemn. [Obs.]
The heresy of Nestorius . . . was detested in
the Eastern churches.
Fuller.
God hath detested them with his own
mouth.
Bale.
2. To hate intensely; to abhor; to abominate;
to loathe; as, we detest what is contemptible or
evil.
Who dares think one thing, and another tell,
My heart detests him as the gates of hell.
Pope.
Syn. -- To abhor; abominate; execrate. See Hate.