Rudeness
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
crim. law. An impolite action; contrary to the usual rules observed in society, committed by one person against another. This is a relative term which it is difficult to define: those acts which one friend might do to another, could not be justified by persons altogether unacquainted; persons moving in polished society could not be permitted to do to each other, what boatmen, hostlers, and such persons might perhaps justify. Anact done by a gentleman towards a lady, might be considered rudeness which if done by one gentleman to another might not be looked upon in that light.
Russ. & Ry. 130.
A per: son who touches that of another with rudeness is guilty of a battery, (q. v.)