insistence

Etymology

From Middle English insistence, derived from Old French insister (“to insist”). Compare Middle French insistance. Morphologically insist + -ence.

noun

1. The state of being insistent.
   He made gourd-rattles (known in ever so many parts of the world) in which he rattled dried seeds or small pebbles with a most beguiling and rain-like insistence[.] 1920, Edward Carpenter, Pagan and Christian Creeds, New York: Harcourt, Brace and Co., published 1921, page 72
   The extreme depth of these channels, and the insistence of the Board of Trade on a headway of 150 ft. for the unrestricted passage of large ships, necessitated a high bridge with two main spans, and a central pier on Inchgarvie. 1950 March, H. A. Vallance, “On Foot Across the Forth Bridge”, in Railway Magazine, page 147
2. An urgent demand.
3. (fencing) The forcing of an attack through the parry, using strength.