In a way that is insulting, disrespectful, or shows contempt toward someone.
From Latin 'contumeliosus' (insulting, abusive), derived from 'contumelia' (insult, disgrace). The -ly ending converts the adjective into an adverb. The word's meaning has remained consistently connected to harsh, contemptuous speech throughout history.
This word was especially common in Victorian literature to describe the cutting insults of refined society—imagine a character delivering a devastating put-down with an air of superiority, and you've got contumeliously. It's the adverb version of how to be rude with style.
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