mulligrubs

American  

[muhl-i-gruhbz] / ˈmʌl ɪˌgrʌbz /

noun

(usually used with a plural verb)

1. ill temper; grumpiness.

2. colic.

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Etymology

Origin of mulligrubs

First recorded in 1590–1600; earlier mulligrums, apparently alteration of megrims

Example Sentences

Bully Brainsick, Pug has sent me to you on an embassy, to bring you down to cards again; she is in her mulligrubs already; she will never forgive you the last vol you won.

From The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 06 by Scott, Walter, Sir

The salt water, I think, Has made me most bloodily thirsty; So bring me a flagon of drink To keep down the mulligrubs, burst ye!

From The Book of Humorous Verse by Wells, Carolyn

He is in great force now that he has got rid of his Grenoble mulligrubs.

From Life and Letters of Thomas Henry Huxley — Volume 2 by Huxley, Thomas Henry

To this class belongs mulligrubs, for which we find in the 17th century also mouldy grubs.

From The Romance of Words (4th ed.) by Weekley, Ernest

Idleness lies in bed sick of the mulligrubs where industry finds health and wealth.

From Brave Men and Women Their Struggles, Failures, And Triumphs by Fuller, O. E. (Osgood Eaton)