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crosspatch

[kraws-pach, kros-]
noun Informal.
  1. a bad-tempered or irritable person.
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Origin of crosspatch

First recorded in 1690–1700; cross- + patch1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for cross-patch

sorehead, grump, crank, crab, killjoy, growler, whiner, curmudgeon, crosspatch, faultfinder, complainer, bear, malcontent, kicker, sourpuss, bug, griper, sulker, grouser

Examples from the Web for cross-patch

Historical Examples of cross-patch

  • "You are a cross-patch," exclaimed Nan in her most spoilt tone.

    Red Rose and Tiger Lily

    L. T. Meade

  • I hope you will let me know if you think I have invented a good plan to cure a cross-patch.

    The Big Nightcap Letters

    Frances Elizabeth Barrow

British Dictionary definitions for cross-patch

crosspatch

noun
  1. informal a peevish bad-tempered person
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Word Origin for crosspatch

C18: from cross + obsolete patch fool
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for cross-patch

n.

"peevish person," usually female, c.1700, from cross (adj.) + patch (n.1) "piece."

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper