pertness

English

Etymology

From pert +‎ -ness.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈpəːtnəs/

Noun

pertness (countable and uncountable, plural pertnesses)

1. The quality of being pert; cheekiness, impudence.
   • 1857–1859, W[illiam] M[akepeace] Thackeray, The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century, volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: Bradbury & Evans, […], published 1858–1859, →OCLC:

     Dinwiddie, who did not love her, having indeed undergone a hundred pertnesses from the imperious little lady, […]

   • 1983, Lawrence Durrell, Sebastian, Faber & Faber 2004 (Avignon Quintet), p. 1021:

     He was completely bald and had a heavy, Chinese-looking countenance which contained, deeply embedded, two eyes of penetration and pertness, always twinkling on the edge of laughter.

2. The quality of being pert; firmness (usually of breasts).

Anagrams

• pensters, presents, serpents