disdain (disdan)

[ I haue ther-of grete disdeyn , that he thourgh his grete pride leste to a-rise a-gein Rome as longe as he knoweth me on lyve. Merlin (E. E. T. S.), iii. 639. A man whose wisdom is in weighty affairs admired would take it in some disdain to have his counsel solemn ly asked about a toy. Hooker, Eccles. Polity, i. 15. Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes. Shak., Much Ado, iii. 1. You sought to prove how I could love, And my disdain is my reply. Tennyson, Lady Clara Vere de Vere. 2t. The state of being despised; the state of feeling one's self disgraced; ignominy; disgrace. They say he yesterday coped Hector in the battle, and struck him down; the disdain and shame whereof hath ever since kept Hector fasting and waking. Shak ., T. and C., i. 2. 3t. That which is worthy of disdain. Th' other halfe did womans shape retaine, Most lothsom, filthie, foule, and full of vile disdaine . Spenser , F. Q., I. i. 14. =Syn. 1. Pride , Presumption , etc. (see arrogance ), scornfulne , contemptuousne . See scorn, v. disdain edt (dis-dand'), a. [ disdain + -ed2.] Disdainful. Revenge the jeering and disdain'd contempt Of this proud king. Shak., 1 Hen. IV., 1. 3.