Definition of the word petulance

The word "petulance" originated in Middle English during the 14th century. It derived from the Old French word "petulse," meaning "childish" or "childishly angry." The Old French term "petulse" was itself a derivation of the Latin word "pædōlentīssīmus," which was composed of the words "pædō," meaning "child," and "lēns usī," which translates to "angry habit." The Latin root comes from the Greek word "παιδιέψευξις," meaning "a childish tendency to be angry or quick-tempered." The use of the Latin root in the French "petulus" sheds light on the meaning of "petulance" today - a petulant person is spoiled, childish, and displays an easily angered, diruptive disposition. The evolution of the word's meaning over time has seen it take on the sense of "a perverse obstinacy in trifles" based on the assumption that small, seemingly inconsequential matters would not arouse anger or temperament in mature people. This shift can be traced back to the 16th century, where it emerged alongside new connotations of "childishness" and "pettishness." In summary, "petulance" finds its roots in the Old French "petulse," a derivation of the Latin "pædōlentīssīmus," which, in turn, is an adaptation of the Greek "παιδιέψευξις." The word now carries connotations of childishness and spoiledness in reference to a person who displays an easily angered, contentious, and obstinate disposition.