importunity

From Middle French importunité, from Latin importunitas.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ɪmpɔːˈtjuːnɪti/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˌɪmpɔɹˈtuːnɪti/

importunity (plural importunities)

1. A constant and insistent demanding.
   • c. 1599–1602, William Shakespeare, The Tragicall Historie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke: […] (Second Quarto), London: Printed by I[ames] R[oberts] for N[icholas] L[ing] […], published 1604, OCLC 760858814, [Act I, scene iii]:

     Then way what loſſe your honor may ſuſtaine / If with too credent eare you liſt his ſongs / Or looſe your hart, or your chaſt treaſure open / To his vnmaſtred importunity.

   • 1611 : The Bible (KJV), Luke 11:8

     I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

   • 1766, Oliver Goldsmith, The Vicar of Wakefield

     Still, however, being surrounded with importunity, and no longer able to satisfy every request that was made him, instead of money he gave promises.

2. (obsolete) An inappropriate or unsuitable time; unseasonableness.