contumacy
stubborn perverseness or rebelliousness; willful and obstinate resistance or disobedience to authority.
Origin of contumacy
1Words Nearby contumacy
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use contumacy in a sentence
Dubut of Caen was involved in the trial of the Chauffeurs of Mortagne, in 1809, and sentenced to death for contumacy.
Repertory Of The Comedie Humaine, Complete, A -- Z | Anatole Cerfberr and Jules Franois ChristopheMazzini and five more, who escaped, were sentenced in contumacy to death; others were sent to long terms of imprisonment.
The Life of Mazzini | Bolton KingI fear that your long silence and delay on this head is construed into contumacy and resistance.
History of Prince Edward Island | Duncan CampbellIf they refused to answer, they were punished for contumacy; if they complied, they were punished for Nonconformity.
Memorials of the Independent Churches in Northamptonshire | Thomas ColemanEighteen years ago he was condemned in contumacy for conspiracy against the life of the late King.
The Eternal City | Hall Caine
British Dictionary definitions for contumacy
/ (ˈkɒntjʊməsɪ) /
obstinate and wilful rebelliousness or resistance to authority; insubordination; disobedience
the wilful refusal of a person to appear before a court or to comply with a court order
Origin of contumacy
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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