† peˈtulcous, a. Obs. rare.
[f. L. petulcus butting, wanton, frisky (f. petĕre to aim at, assail, etc.: cf. hiulcus gaping, f. hiāre to gape) + -ous.]
Butting; wantonly aggressvie.
| 1661 Cane Fiat Lux iii. §13 (1665) 151 The Pape..whistles him and his fellow petulcous rams in order by charitable admonition. |
So † peˈtulcity, offensive forwardness or temerity.
| 1628 T. Morton Let. to Bp. Hall in H.'s Wks. 1837 IX. 408, I do, therefore, much blame the petulcity of whatsoever author, that should dare to impute a Popish affection to him. |