malapert Meaning, Definition & Usage

Mal"a*pert adjective

Etymology

OF. malapert unskillful, ill-taught, ill-bred; mal ill + apert open, adroit, intelligent, L. apertus, p. p. of aperire to open. See Malice, and Aperient.

Definitions

1. Bold; forward; impudent; saucy; pert. Shak. -- n. A malapert person.

   Are you growing malapert! Will you force me to make use of my authority ? Dryden.

   -- Mal"a*pert`ly, adv. -- Mal"a*pert`ness, n.