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Webster 1913 Edition

Insolent

In′so-lent

,
Adj.
[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?
Shakespeare
3.
Proceeding from or characterized by insolence; insulting;
as,
insolent
words or behavior
.
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
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Insolent

IN'SOLENT

,
Adj.
Proud and haughty, with contempt of others; overbearing; domineering in power; as an insolent master.
1.
Proceeding from insolence; haughty and contemptuous; as insolent words or behavior.
2.
Unaccustomed; the primary sense. [Not used.]

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