definitions

crosspatch

[ kraws-pach, kros- ]
/ ˈkrɔsˌpætʃ, ˈkrɒs- /
|

noun Informal.

a bad-tempered or irritable person.

RELATED CONTENT

soul patchRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE
✝️ - Latin Cross Emoji - Emoji by Dictionary.comRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

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

Nearby words

crossopterygian, crossover, crossover distortion, crossover network, crossover value, crosspatch, crosspiece, crossrail, crossroad, crossroads, crossroads care attendant scheme

Origin of crosspatch

First recorded in 1690–1700; cross- + patch1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for cross-patch

  • 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

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

    Red Rose and Tiger Lily|L. T. Meade

British Dictionary definitions for cross-patch

crosspatch

/ (ˈkrɒsˌpætʃ) /

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

cross-patch

n.

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

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper