In"so*lent (?), a. [F. insolent,
L. insolens, -entis, pref. in- not +
solens accustomed, p. pr. of solere to be
accustomed.]
1. Deviating from that which is customary;
novel; strange; unusual. [Obs.]
If one chance to derive any word from the Latin which
is insolent to their ears . . . they forthwith make a jest at
it.
Pettie.
If any should accuse me of being new or
insolent.
Milton.
2. Haughty and contemptuous or brutal in
behavior or language; overbearing; domineering; grossly rude or
disrespectful; saucy; as, an insolent master; an
insolent servant. "A paltry, insolent fellow."
Shak.
Insolent is he that despiseth in his judgment
all other folks as in regard of his value, of his cunning, of his
speaking, and of his bearing.
Chaucer.
Can you not see? or will ye not observe . . .
How insolent of late he is become,
How proud, how peremptory?
Shak.
3. Proceeding from or characterized by
insolence; insulting; as, insolent words or
behavior.
Their insolent triumph excited . . .
indignation.
Macaulay.
Syn. -- Overbearing; insulting; abusive; offensive; saucy;
impudent; audacious; pert; impertinent; rude; reproachful;
opprobrious. -- Insolent, Insulting. Insolent,
in its primitive sense, simply denoted unusual; and to act
insolently was to act in violation of the established rules of
social intercourse. He who did this was insolent; and thus the
word became one of the most offensive in our language, indicating
gross disregard for the feelings of others. Insulting denotes
a personal attack, either in words or actions, indicative either of
scorn or triumph. Compare Impertinent, Affront,
Impudence.
