contumacy

[ kon-too-muh-see, -tyoo- ]

noun

, plural con·tu·ma·cies.

1. stubborn perverseness or rebelliousness; willful and obstinate resistance or disobedience to authority.

contumacy

/ ˈkɒntjʊməsɪ /

noun

1. obstinate and wilful rebelliousness or resistance to authority; insubordination; disobedience
2. the wilful refusal of a person to appear before a court or to comply with a court order

Word History and Origins

Origin of contumacy¹

1150–1200; Middle English contumacie < Latin contumācia, equivalent to contumāc-, stem of contumāx unyielding, stubborn ( con- con- + -tum- of uncertain sense, though connected by classical authors with both contemnere to regard with contempt and tumēre to swell) + -āx adj. suffix) + -ia -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of contumacy¹

C14: from Latin contumācia, from contumāx obstinate; related to tumēre to swell, be proud

Example Sentences

Ripstein cites his “contumacy,” a fancy synonym for stubbornness, as a decisive factor in maintaining an uninterrupted career for 60 years.

From Los Angeles Times

The House Financial Services Chairman Jeb Hensarling has identified “contumacy” on behalf of the Director in his refusal to answer a Congressional subpoena.

From New York Times

Monsieur le Chevalier, we shall excuse you for your contumacy, having the means of arriving at information by a higher power.

From Project Gutenberg

He disdained to obey the summons, and his excommunication for contumacy was published in all the churches of Paris.

From Project Gutenberg

They were ordered to obey humbly whatever the legates might see fit to command, and the vengeance of the Holy See was threatened for slackness or contumacy.

From Project Gutenberg