Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Contemn(e, Contem(e, v. [e.m.E. contemne (1573), L. contemnere. Cf. Contempn(e v.] tr. To contemn, despise. Also with inf.(a) 1535 Stewart 28791.
[The Saxonis] Contemnand Scottis, seand thame sa few, Without armour the battell did persew 1562-3 Winȝet I. 4/30.
Suppose … we. dar not contemne ȝour selfis Ib. II. 35/27.
Peradentuir … he wes worthy lychtlie to be contemnit a1578 Pitsc. I. 96/32.
Because he contemnit the kingis autorietie and impyre 1596 Dalr. I. 97/21.
The ground … thay alutterie contemne to tile Ib. 180/10.
Reiecteng the commoune welth and contemneng the nobilitie.(b) c1568 Lauder Minor P. i. 24.
The tormentis heir I schaw Of thame that dois contem Gods wourd & law 1581 Hamilton Cath. Tr. 19 b.
They lichtlie and contems hie pouer and authoritie 1596 Dalr. II. 365/18.
Mackeyus [etc.] … ar oft callit to judgement, bot contemte the command 1602 Conv. Burghs II. 139.
That na mariner sall dispyse, conteme, or lichtle the schipis wittuallis