Misprize

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /mɪsˈpɹʌɪz/ (verb)

Alternative forms

• mesprise
• misprise

Origin

From Middle French mespriser (verb), mespris (noun).

Full definition of misprize

Verb

1. To despise or hold in contempt; to undervalue. from 15th c.
• c. 1599, William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing, First Folio 1621, III.1:Nature neuer fram'd a womans heart,Of prowder stuffe then that of Beatrice:Disdaine and Scorne ride sparkling in her eyes,Mis-prizing what they looke on ….

Noun

1. (obsolete, rare) Contempt. 16th-19th c.
• 1596, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, IV.9:He ment to make them know their follies prise,
  Had not those two him instantly desired
  T'asswage his wrath, and pardon their mesprise ….

Related terms

• misprision