pert Copy link • pert: prŏcax, ācis (forward and wanting in respect for others): p. of tongue, p. lingua, Tac. A. 1, 16: p. (bold, presumptuous) Muse, p. Musa, Hor. Od. 2, 1, 37. (N.B.--The nearest word to Eng., but usu. conveying a graver censure than it: protervus is still stronger: v. petulant, wanton.)