[a. F. arrogance (12th c. in Littré), ad. L. arrogāntia: see ARROGANT and -ANCE.] The taking of too much upon oneself as one’s right; the assertion of unwarrantable claims in respect of one’s own importance; undue assumption of dignity, authority or knowledge; aggressive conceit, presumption or haughtiness.
1303. R. Brunne, Handl. Synne, 3120. Þys ys pryde and arrogaunce Vnwrþyly þe to auaunce.
1340. Ayenb., 21. Þe þridde boȝ of prede is arrogance … Þanne þe man wenþ more of him-zelue þanne he ssolde.
c. 1420. Pallad. on Husb., I. 213. War arrogaunce in takyng thing in hande.
c. 1500. Lancelot, 1694. Be not pensyve, nore proud in arrogans.
1613. Shaks., Hen. VIII., III. ii. 278. My Lords, Can ye endure to heare this Arrogance?
1781. Gibbon, Decl. & F., II. xxxi. 184. Their arrogance was soon humbled by misfortune.
1858. Doran, Crt. Fools, 63. When things went well with him, his arrogance was insufferable.
