| a. [ F. insolent, L. insolens, -entis, pref. in- not + solens accustomed, p. pr. of solere to be accustomed. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 1. Deviating from that which is customary; novel; strange; unusual. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] If one chance to derive any word from the Latin which is insolent to their ears . . . they forthwith make a jest at it. Pettie. [ 1913 Webster ] If any should accuse me of being new or insolent. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] Can you not see? or will ye not observe . . .
How insolent of late he is become,
How proud, how peremptory? Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Proceeding from or characterized by insolence; insulting; as, insolent words or behavior. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
