Dictionary entry

Contumacious

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Con′tu‐ma″cious (kŏn′tū̍‐mā″shŭs), a. [L. contumax, -acis. See Contumacy.] 1. Exhibiting contumacy; contemning authority; obstinate; perverse; stubborn; disobedient.

There is another very, efficacious method for subduing the most obstinate, contumacious sinner.

Hammond.

2. (Law) Willfully disobedient to the summons or orders of a court. Blackstone.

Syn. — Stubborn; obstinate; obdurate; disobedient; perverse; unyielding; headstrong.

— Con′tu‐ma″cious‐ly, adv. — Con′tu‐ma″cious‐ness, n.