despitus

1 definition found

despitus - Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) :

  DESPITUS. This word signifies, in our ancient law books, a contemptible 
  person. Flet. lib. 4, c. 5, Sec. 4. The English word despite is derived from 
  it, which signifies spite or contempt against one's will - defiance with 
  contempt, or contempt of opposition.