† proˈterve, a. Obs. rare.
[ad. L. proterv-us forward, bold, pert, wanton, impudent; cf. obs. F. proterve (c 1277 in Godef.).
Etymol. of L. protervus doubtful. Walde suggests after Fröhde *pro-pterguos, f. pro-1 1 + cogn. of Gr. πτέρυξ wing.]
Forward, wayward, untoward, stubborn; peevish, petulant. Hence † proˈtervely adv.
| 1382 Wyclif 2 Tim. iii. 4 Men schulen be..traitours, proterue [gloss or ouerthwert, Vulg. protervi]. 1526 Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W. 1531) 117 Who so euer by his owne reason or sentence wyll defende proteruely or styfly that thynge y{supt} he loueth. 1567 Satir. Poems Reform. vi. 31 Man of his awin nature is so proterue. |