WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : In"so*lent
Part of Speech : a.
Etymology : [F. insolent, L. insolens, -entis, pref. in- not + solens accustomed, p. pr. of solere to be accustomed.]
Definition : 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 forth with make a jest at it. Petti 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913