ˈpechələn(t)s noun
( -s )
Etymology: French pétulance, from Latin petulantia impudence, from petulant-, petulans impudent + -ia -y
1. : the quality or state of being petulant:
a. archaic : wantonness or insolence in speech or behavior : rudeness
the petulance with which obscure scribblers … treat men of the most respectable character — James Boswell
b. : temporary or capricious ill humor : peevishness
the petulance and crankiness of an old man who has been at the head of affairs all his life — Robert Graves
2. : a petulant expression
his dexterous petulances making the air all like needles round you — Thomas Carlyle