\Im"pu*dence\ ([i^]m"p[-u]*dens), n. [L. impudentia:
cf. F. impudence. See {Impudent}.]
The quality of being impudent; assurance, accompanied with a
disregard of the presence or opinions of others;
shamelessness; forwardness; want of modesty.
      Clear truths that their own evidence forces us to
      admit, or common experience makes it impudence to deny.
                                               --Locke.
      Where pride and impudence (in fashion knit) Usurp the
      chair of wit.                            --B. Jonson.
Syn: Shamelessness; audacity; insolence; effrontery;
     sauciness; impertinence; pertness; rudeness.
Usage: {Impudence}, {Effrontery}, {Sauciness}. Impudence
       refers more especially to the feelings as manifested
       in action. Effrontery applies to some gross and public
       exhibition of shamelessness. Sauciness refers to a
       sudden pert outbreak of impudence, especially from an
       inferior. Impudence is an unblushing kind of
       impertinence, and may be manifested in words, tones,
       gestures, looks, etc. Effrontery rises still higher,
       and shows a total or shameless disregard of duty or
       decorum under the circumstances of the case. Sauciness
       discovers itself toward particular individuals, in
       certain relations; as in the case of servants who are
       saucy to their masters, or children who are saucy to
       their teachers. See {Impertinent}, and {Insolent}.