Legal Definitions - despitus

Definition: Despitus means contempt or a contemptible person.

Examples:

• He showed despitus towards his colleagues by constantly belittling them.
• The criminal's actions were despitus and earned him a lengthy prison sentence.

The examples illustrate how despitus can refer to both a feeling of contempt and a person who is considered contemptible. In the first example, the person's behavior towards their colleagues is disrespectful and shows a lack of regard for their feelings or opinions. In the second example, the criminal's actions are considered despicable and worthy of punishment.