malapert
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of malapert
1375–1425; late Middle English: insolent < Middle French: unskillful. See mal-, pert
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I had a wife—may heaven bless her soul—but when it happened sometimes that she played malapert, I used to mount the high horse, and bring out my thunder.
From Diderot and the Encyclopædists Volume II. by Morley, John
A very malapert cur, I can tell him that; I do not like his fawning—You must be taught your distance, sirrah.
From The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 07 by Scott, Walter, Sir
Hush, Bess, thou 'rt malapert," chided her mother, descending heavily into the boat, while a mutinous young voice above called out,— "Nay, I'm not going.
From Standish of Standish A story of the Pilgrims by Austin, Jane G. (Jane Goodwin)
You are malapert," said the lady with a toss of her head; "besides they are so dirty.
From The Cloister and the Hearth A Tale of the Middle Ages by Reade, Charles
Hold your peace; are you growing malapert? will you force me to make use of my authority? your wife's a well disposed and a virtuous lady; I say it, In verbo sacerdotis.
From The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 06 by Scott, Walter, Sir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
