crosspatch

[kraws-pach, kros-]

noun Informal.

a bad-tempered or irritable person.

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

informal a peevish bad-tempered person

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

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