crosspatch

American  

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

noun

Informal.

1. a bad-tempered or irritable person.

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crosspatch British  

/ ˈkrɒsˌpætʃ /

noun

1. informal a peevish bad-tempered person

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Etymology

Origin of crosspatch

First recorded in 1690–1700; cross- + patch ¹

Example Sentences

“There! She promised I should go next time, for this is the last ice we shall have. But it’s no use to ask such a crosspatch to take me.”

From Literature

But her charm assault is formidable, and it’s not long before this former crosspatch is bestowing kooky gifts, like whimsical bumblebee legwear, upon his lady love.

From Time

And I'm a regular crosspatch, I am, at times—and never a curse do I get—you're not like other women.

From Project Gutenberg

‘A youthful crosspatch’: John Simm as Hamlet at the Crucible, Sheffield.

From The Guardian

I am conscious of having been something of a crosspatch this week, so allow me to finish by applauding BBC4 for its North of England stuff.

From The Guardian