If one chance to derive any word from the Latin
which is insolent to their ears . . . they forth
with 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.
Usage: {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}.