noun

insolent or insulting language or treatment.

the Church should not be exposed to gossip and contumely

abuse,insults,slurs,aspersions,derision,invective,slander,defamation,denigration,disparagement,opprobrium,obloquy,vituperation,vilification,insolence,rudeness,impertinence,discourtesy,mud-slinging,bad-mouthing,bitchiness,malapertness,billingsgate