The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Contemn \Con*temn"\ (k[o^]n*t[e^]m"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   Contemned (-t[e^]md); p. pr. & vb. n. Contemning
   (-t[e^]m"n[i^]ng or -t[e^]m"[i^]ng).] [L. contemnere,
   -temptum; con- + temnere to slight, despise: cf. OF.
   contemner.]
   To view or treat with contempt, as mean and despicable; to
   reject with disdain; to despise; to scorn.
   [1913 Webster]

         Thy pompous delicacies I contemn.        --Milton.
   [1913 Webster]

         One who contemned divine and human laws. --Dryden.

   Syn: To despise; scorn; disdain; spurn; slight; neglect;
        underrate; overlook.

   Usage: To Contemn, Despise, Scorn, Disdain. Contemn
          is the generic term, and is applied especially to
          objects, qualities, etc., which are deemed
          contemptible, and but rarely to individuals; to
          despise is to regard or treat as mean, unbecoming, or
          worthless; to scorn is stronger, expressing a quick,
          indignant contempt; disdain is still stronger,
          denoting either unwarrantable pride and haughtiness or
          an abhorrence of what is base.
          [1913 Webster]