Insolence, n.
Etymology: [F. insolence, L. insolentia. See Insolent.]
1. The quality of being unusual or novel. [Obs.] Spenser.
2. The quality of being insolent; pride or haughtiness manifested in contemptuous and overbearing treatment of others; arrogant contempt; brutal imprudence. Flown with insolence and wine. Milton.
3. Insolent conduct or treatment; insult. Loaded with fetters and insolences from the soldiers. Fuller.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Insolence, v. t.
To insult. [Obs.] Eikon Basilike.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for insolence; he lists it under effrontery, impudence, pride.
Where he writes about it:
Insolence is literally that which is against custom, i. e., the violation of customary respect and courtesy. — from impudence
Insolence is open and rude expression of contempt and hostility, generally from an inferior to a superior, as from a servant to a master or mistress. — from pride
In the presence of superiors overweening pride manifests itself in presumption or insolence; in the presence of inferiors, or those supposed to be inferior, pride manifests itself by arrogance, disdain, haughtiness, superciliousness, or in either case often by cold reserve. (See RESERVE under modesty.) Pride is too self-satisfied to care for praise; vanity intensely craves admiration and applause. — from pride
Synonyms
effronteryimpudencepridearroganceassumptionassuranceaudacityboldnessbrassconceitdisdainforwardnesshardihoodhaughtinessimpertinenceincivilityintrusivenessofficiousnessostentationpertnesspresumptionreserverudenesssaucinessself-complacencyself-conceitself-esteemself-exaltationself-respectshamelessnesssuperciliousnessvaingloryvanity