This term refers to disobedience to, or defiance of, an order of the House, or some other insult to the House or its dignity or a breach of parliamentary privilege. It can relate to any attempt to interfere with proceedings or to obstruct or threaten Members in the performance of their parliamentary duties. In the House of Commons contempts are referred to the Committee on Standards and Privileges but any decision must be agreed by the House. The House of Lords does not have the power to suspend a Member permanently as the Writ of Summons which entitles a Member to a seat in Parliament cannot be withheld.
Further information on this subject can be found from the following links.
Committee on Standards and Privileges Home Page
Related glossary term: Code of conduct for MPs
Related glossary term: Code of conduct for Members of the House of Lords