De*spite" (?), n. [OF. despit, F. d'epit, fr. L. despectus contempt, fr. despicere. See Despise, and cf. Spite, Despect.]
1.
Malice; malignity; spite; malicious anger; contemptuous hate.
With all thy despite against the land of Israel.
Ezek. xxv. 6.
2.
An act of malice, hatred, or defiance; contemptuous defiance; a deed of contempt.
A despite done against the Most High.
Milton.
In despite, in defiance of another's power or inclination. -- In despite of, in defiance of; in spite of. See under Spite. "Seized my hand in despite of my efforts to the contrary." W. Irving. -- In your despite, in defiance or contempt of you; in spite of you. [Obs.]
© Webster 1913.
De*spite" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Despited; p. pr. & vb. n. Despiting.] [OF. despitier, fr. L. despectare, intens. of despicere. See Despite, n.]
To vex; to annoy; to offend contemptuously.
[Obs.]
Sir W. Raleigh.
© Webster 1913.
De*spite", prep.
In spite of; against, or in defiance of; notwithstanding; as, despite his prejudices.
Syn. -- See Notwithstanding.
© Webster 1913.