petulance

Noun

1. Rudeness, insolence.
   • [W]ise men knew, that that, which looked like pride in some, and like petulance in others, would, by experience in affairs, and conversation amongst men, both of which most of them wanted, be in time wrought off […] -...
2. An insolent remark or act.
   • I believe I was guilty of a petulance, which nothing but my uneasy situation can excuse; if that can. - 1748, [Samuel Richardson], “Letter LXIX”, in Clarissa. Or, The History of a Young Lady: […], volume (please specify...
3. Childish impatience or sulkiness; testiness.
   • She […] had shown herself angry and sore, and was now ashamed of her own petulance, and yet unable to discontinue it. - 1857, Anthony Trollope, “Another Love Scene”, in Barchester Towers. […], copyright edition, volume...

   Synonyms: caprice capriciousness moodiness tetchiness