Showed contempt in a trifling argument (4)
I believe the answer is:
spat
This could be a double definition.
'showed contempt' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)
'trifling argument' is the second definition.
'spat' can be an answer for 'argument' (a spat is a disagreement or argument). I am unsure of the 'trifling' bit.
'in a' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for spat that I've seen before include "Small row between Pats" , "A minor dispute or row" , "Old leg wear - brief quarrel" , "angry words" , "A small tiff or quarrel" .)