2007-01-11 19:15:29 · 5 answers · asked by Mai Anesu 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
It is Middle English, based on contumelie, from Middle French, and contumelia, from Latin.
Means 'harsh language or treatment arising from haughtiness and contempt', and also 'an instance of such language or treatment'.
2007-01-11 19:30:35 · answer #1 · answered by Scribbler 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
In SA the word was often used in the olden days in law. You sue a person for damages of whatever nature and often added a prayer that says CONTUMELIA and named an amount you wished to receive should you be successful. Basically you were treated wrong, disrespectful, with disdain in whatever the other person did wrong to you and you now therefore sue for moneys to "MAKE UP FOR THAT WRONG, DISDAIN, DISRESPECT SHOWN TO YOU). Very much like the "PUNITIVE DAMAGES" used in American law.
2007-01-14 22:38:29 · answer #2 · answered by Kuschke 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means rudenes or arrogance.
From Middle English contumelie, from Old French, from Latin contumÄlia; akin to contumÄx, insolent.
Rarely used!
2007-01-11 21:36:23 · answer #3 · answered by roly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
insulting display of contempt in words or actions; contemptuous or humiliating treatment.
OR a humiliating insult
2007-01-11 19:19:22 · answer #4 · answered by pumpkin 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
<>Do you mean contumely?- harsh language or treatment arising from haughtiness and contempt
2007-01-11 19:21:15 · answer #5 · answered by druid 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋