Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Mr. lieutenant, witness that he will not take it and draw up a warrant of attainder for contumacity."

From The Strange Story of Rab R?by by J?kai, M?r

It was what I had fully purposed to do; but, first, the comic side of Monsieur's behaviour had tempted me to delay, and now, Mademoiselle St. Pierre's affected interference provoked contumacity.

From Villette by Brontë, Charlotte

I do not know what inference Mr. Crimsworth drew from my silence—whether he considered it a symptom of contumacity or an evidence of my being cowed by his peremptory manner.

From The Professor by Brontë, Charlotte

Therefore I must insist on returning it at opportunity, not from contumacity and reluctance to be oblig'd, but because it must suit you better than me.

From The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb — Volume 6 Letters 1821-1842 by Lamb, Mary

And the contumacity of old men and women should not be strengthened by the reckless bestowal of shillings.

From The Shuttle by Burnett, Frances Hodgson