'Contumacy' definitions:

Definition of 'contumacy'

From: WordNet
noun
Willful refusal to appear before a court or comply with a court order; can result in a finding of contempt of court
noun
Obstinate rebelliousness and insubordination; resistance to authority

Definition of 'Contumacy'

From: GCIDE
  • Contumacy \Con"tu*ma*cy\ (k[o^]n"t[-u]*m[.a]*s[y^]), n.; pl. Contumacies (k[o^]n"t[-u]*m[.a]*s[i^]z). [L. contumacia, fr. contumax, -acis, insolent; prob. akin to contemnere to despise: cf. F. contumace. Cf. Contemn.]
  • 1. Stubborn perverseness; pertinacious resistance to authority. [1913 Webster]
  • The bishop commanded him . . . to be thrust into the stocks for his manifest and manifold contumacy. --Strype. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Law) A willful contempt of, and disobedience to, any lawful summons, or to the rules and orders of court, as a refusal to appear in court when legally summoned.
  • Syn: Stubbornness; perverseness; obstinacy. [1913 Webster]