Definition of mutinous

The word "mutinous" originally comes from the French word "mutineux," which was in use during the 17th century. The French term itself has roots in the Middle Dutch word "mutien," meaning "revolt" or "rebellion." During the Age of Sail, when naval power was crucial for European nations, mutiny was a common problem for captains and commanding officers. Sailors often rebelled against their superiors due to harsh living conditions, mistreatment, or perceived injustices. The French word "mutineux" was adopted by the British Royal Navy in the 18th century, as they were gradually realizing the importance of countering mutiny among their crews. Initially, they used the term to describe sailors deemed as "rebellious" or "disobedient" within a ship's crew. Over time, "mutinous" became a well-established and commonly used term in naval and broader English vocabulary. Today, the word "mutinous" connotes a sense of rebellion, insubordination, and defiance. It's typically applied to people who engage in acts of insubordination or disobedience in any organization or authority, not just naval contexts.