\In"so*lent\, a. [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 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}.