De*test" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Detested;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Detesting.]
[L. detestare,
detestatum, and detestari, to curse while calling a deity to witness, to execrate, detest; de + testari to be a witness,
testify, testis a witness: cf. F. détester. See Testify.] 1. To witness against; to denounce; to condemn. [Obs.]
The heresy of
Nestorius . . . was detested in the Eastern churches.
Fuller. God hath detested them with his
own mouth.
Bale. 2. To hate intensely; to abhor; to abominate; to loathe; as, we
detest what is contemptible or evil.
Who dares think one thing, and another tell,
My heart detests him as the gates of
hell.
Pope. Syn. -- To abhor; abominate; execrate. See Hate.
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