pro·ter·vi·ty \prəˈtərvəd.ē\noun (-es) Etymology: Latin protervitas, from protervus forward, bold, impudent, flighty (probably alteration of protervus, from pro- forward + -ptervus — akin to Greek petesthai to fly) + -itas -ity — more at pro-, feather 1.: a petulant manner : peevishness 2.: insolent sauciness